Primark looks north for growth
Published: 14 November, 2011
Primark is adding to its 220-strong portfolio with three new stores at The Centre, Livingston, on Edinburgh’s Princes Street and at the MetroCentre, Gateshead in the
run-up to Christmas.
In Livingston, landlord Land Securities has completed construction of the new 49,100-sq ft, three-storey Primark store well ahead of schedule, enabling it to open in early December 2011, ahead of Christmas.
Forming a new anchor for Land Securities’ shopping destination The Centre, it will be the first three-level store for Primark in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Primark director Breege O’Donoghue said: “Primark is delighted to be opening a new store in The Centre, Livingston. Livingston provides an ideal location for Primark as it meets our requirements for store locations and is already a popular destination for our key demographics.”
The second store on Edinburgh’s Princes Street is also expected to open in December. The Glasgow office of Montagu Evans acted for the landlord and Martin Gudaitis, Montagu Evans retail partner, said: “Primark will be a terrific addition to the retail mix in Livingston. The Centre’s trading levels have held up very well during the difficult letting market of the last few years and Primark will provide another major attraction and draw.”
And in Gateshead The Metrocentre celebrated its 25th anniversary in October with the launch of a new flagship Primark. The 58,700-sq ft Primark unit comprises the former Woolworths store, adjacent space and a new 15,000-sq ft rear extension and is at the junction of Grey Mall, Yellow Mall and Blue Mall. Primark previously operated from a 34,400-sq ft ground floor store in the Red Mall.
The new flagship store marks Metrocentre’s third new anchor in three years following deals with Odeon and TK Maxx. Marks & Spencer will also complete a major re-fit of its store prior to Christmas.
In addition to the first North East stores for Boux Avenue and The Entertainer, announced earlier this year, Metrocentre has also exchanged and now opened new stores for Caffe Nero, Appy Feet, Auntie Anne’s, 7 Camicie and The Fragrance Shop.
Letting agents for Metrocentre are Sanderson Weatherall and Lunson Mitchenall; Eric Young & Co acted for Primark
