Primark is to relocate from Crompton Place to The Market Place as the council works to clear the site for redevelopment.

The clothes store will move into the site of what was Debenhams, which closed for the last time around two years ago.

The council said the relocation was 'a significant step' in its attempts to clear Crompton Place for redevelopment as a part of the Bolton Town Centre Masterplan.

Jon Dyson, Director of Place, said: "We are delighted that Primark has committed to a continued presence in the town centre, and at such a prime location. As shopping habits change, we are working to consolidate the retail offer around Market Place and create a town centre that also provides a mix of residential, hospitality and leisure. 

The Bolton News: New store coming to BoltonNew store coming to Bolton (Image: Newsquest)

"We continue to explore options for the future of Crompton Place and this is a significant step towards the regeneration of this part of town."

In 2022, Primark announced a £140 million investment in the UK as part of a commitment to support its high streets.

This move, in partnership with the Market Place owner Moorgarth Retail, marks another addition to this investment.

The new store in the shopping centre will occupy the old ground floor and part of the lower ground floor of the old Debenhams.  

The store is expected to open late 2024/early 2025 dependent on construction works.

Branding has already gone up marking the move into The Market Place.

The Bolton News: Primark in Crompton PlacePrimark in Crompton Place (Image: Newsquest)

Kari Rodgers, retail director at Primark UK, said: "We are thrilled to be moving forward with plans to relocate our Primark store to Market Place. We know our customers will be excited to shop the Primark products they know and love in the new store, and we hope to give more Bolton shoppers more reasons to visit their town centre."

Alison Stewart, asset manager at Moorgarth Retail, said: "This is a massive vote of confidence in our shopping centre, it consolidates even further the retail and leisure offer in the town, will strengthen the offer and wider visitor attraction to Bolton and Market Place, and delivers a new anchor store with massive multi-million-pound investment into Bolton town centre."

She added: "It’s been a tumultuous time for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, I cannot express just how ecstatic I am."

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Bolton Council had put in a Levelling Up bid to transform the unit into music venues, leisure facilities and even roof top football pitches.

But the funding, which would also have transformed the town centre and De Havilland Way was knocked back. But Town Hall chiefs say they will continue to bid for money under the Government's Levelling Up scheme to improve the town centre.

 


This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.