IT has been confirmed - Primark will be opening a store in Salisbury.

While rumours of the chain coming to Salisbury have been circling for years, the chain confirmed today that it will be opening a store in the Old George Mall next year.

The store will occupy the former BHS building in the Old George Mall, which closed in 2016.

The new 29,700 sq ft store is set to open in summer 2023 and is expected to create 100 new jobs. 

Kari Rodgers, Primark Retail Director UK said: “After much speculation, we are delighted to announce that we will be opening our first store in Salisbury next year and we’re looking forward to becoming a part of this great city and community.”

Matthew Howard, the head of Property Asset Management at Railpen, added: “The signing of Primark will be an excellent anchor store for the Old George Mall and has been a long-sought-after addition to the centre among consumers.

"Primark will offer a best-in-class shopping experience for people in the city and will prove extremely popular. The store will drive footfall and serve to reinforce Old George Mall’s position as the prime retail destination in Salisbury.”

Work has been ongoing to remove the escalators and workers can be seen coming in and out of the building.

Dan Collins, business manager for Salisbury Business Improvement District (BID) said: "Confirmation that Primark is to open a store in Salisbury is not just great news for residents, it's also a big boost to business.

"The move, by such a well known international chain, shows confidence in Salisbury and will add a new dimension to the city's shopping experience. The old BHS building in the Old George Mall is the perfect location for the new store, bringing new shoppers into the heart of the city where they can discover all Salisbury has to offer.

Primark Salisbury will join Primark’s 191 stores in the UK and is part of an expansion programme which will take Primark from 403 stores today to 530 stores across 16 countries over the next five years.

'You've heard the rumours'

During a briefing with Wiltshire Council Wednesday morning, June 15, the Journal asked the authority how vacant sites in Salisbury are being dealt with.

In response council leader Richard Clewer said: “First thing I’ll say about the larger [closed] sites is watch this space. We are working hard on that.

“We can’t be definitive at this point but we are trying really hard to help and work with people to get them back into use.”

Hinting to Primark, Cllr Clewer continued: “If you can get the right anchor retailer in a town it brings people in to shop which then encourages other vacant units to be filled. We need to be putting in particular effort supporting the sort of ‘missing tooth’ type retail units.

“And you’ve heard the rumours, let’s leave it as that.”

What do you think?

What are your thoughts on Primark coming to Salisbury? Let us know by commenting below, or by emailing newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk