Date set for Primark opening at Market Place, Bolton

Plans have long been underway to move the clothes retailer to the old Debenhams space at the Market Place and have been key to wider efforts to regenerate the town centre.

The new Primark is set to open next month on Wednesday, November 27 with a special event featuring a live DJ and Christmas shopping.

Primark Regional Retail Director Neil Ford said: “We’re looking forward to opening the doors to our brand-new store in Market Place and showcasing the very best Primark has to offer in a fantastic new store located in the heart of Bolton.

"All of our colleagues are working hard behind the scenes to get the store ready for opening day and ensuring the transition to our new site is a smooth one.”

Primark will be moving into the old Debenhams space (Image: Newsquest)

Primark's Crompton Place branch will close permanently on November 26 at 5.30pm, the day before the new one opens.

The new store will be 26,300 square feet, with a range of adult clothing, children's clothes and lifestyle products.

All 120 shop workers, plus 10 managers, will be making the move over to the new branch, which will include self-checkouts alongside serviced tills.

Primark says that its new branch will also include modern fixtures and fittings, improved signage and LED lighting, as well as new display units, with a click and collect service.

The large space at the end of Market Place has been empty since Debenhams closed in May 2021, part of a wave of closures around the country.

In March 2023 Primark announced that it was to leave its old site at Crompton Place to move into the former Debenhams at the Market Place.

The move proved to be key to long running plans to demolish Crompton Place and create a new space made up of music venues, leisure centres and rooftop football pitches in its place.

Bolton Council deputy leader Cllr Akhtar Zaman said: “Firstly it is very welcome news, we have waited for this for some time.

“I think it is another step in the right direction to move our retail focus to the Market Place and it moves us further on in the redevelopment of Crompton Place.”

Cllr Zaman, who also sits as council cabinet member for regeneration, said that this also linked in to efforts to encourage more people to live in the town.

He said: “Going forward we want more people to live in the town centre and as people start moving in they will need the retail offer around to support them.

“Primark of course was already in the town centre but what this really helps us to do is to move on with the demolition of Crompton Place.

“Because that is something that links into leisure, food and all the things we want to be able to offer in the town.”

ALSO READ: Leading high street name set to move into former Debenhams store

ALSO READ: Shutters come down for the last time on Debenhams Bolton

ALSO READ: Major high street clothes brand to move stores in Bolton town centre this year

Since the move was announced, Primark branding and advertising boards have appeared around the Market Place ahead of the anticipated opening date.

Market Place general manager Nicola Shawcroft said: "We’re excited to welcome Primark to Market Place and be able to provide them with a larger, more modern space that provides an exciting upgrade for local shoppers.

"The new location will enhance the shopping experience with its improved layout and features and we’re sure it will continue to be a key destination for both loyal customers and new visitors alike.”