CGI of the new Primark store at Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena.
Work has commenced for Ballymena's much-anticipated new Primark store which will be located at the Fairhill Shopping Centre in the town.
It was announced in May last year by Ryan Walker, Director of Magmel (Ballymena) Limited, Fairhill’s owners, that the popular highstreet brand would be taking up residence at the shopping centre as part of a £7 million pound investment, helping "secure the centre’s position as the premier fashion retail destination in the surrounding Mid and East Antrim area".
The announcement was widely welcomed by shoppers, and received as an exciting development for the retail landscape in Ballymena, with businesses fighting back after the many challenges of recent years.
Work gets underway
Demolition well underway on Friday (2nd February)
Earlier this week Fairhill Shopping Centre said it was "proud to announce that works commenced on 22nd January to make way for the highly anticipated arrival of Primark in 2025."
The section of the Fairhill Shopping Centre mall from the old River Island and former Debenhams unit will be demolished to allow the construction of Primark to begin later this year. Fairhill Shopping Centre are committed to ensuring a seamless shopping experience during this period.
The demolition phase that commenced on January 29th, is anticipated to be completed by May this year. This critical phase will be carried out by A Bonnar & Son, a trusted partner in construction.
The Fairhill spokesperson added: "Due to the demolition works, the Parkway pedestrian entrance to the centre will be closed. Fairhill customers will be directed to access the Centre via the M&S entrance on the ground floor or first floor, or through the rooftop car park.
"We are pleased to advise that during the demolition period the rooftop and surface car park at the front of the centre will remain open. Customers can continue to use these facilities with ease.
"We will keep you updated during the demolition and construction works."
When complete, Primark will have doubled the size of its presence in Ballymena and occupy approximately 26,100 square feet of retail space in its new store in Fairhill.
The new store will offer the latest trends and everyday essentials across menswear, womenswear, kidswear, beauty, lifestyle and homeware. It will also offer a wide range of clothes and products under its growing Primark Cares label, as part of the retailer’s pledge to make more sustainable fashion affordable for everyone.
Commenting previously Mark Thallon of TDK Commercial Property Consultants, letting agents at Fairhill Shopping Centre, said:
“The announcement of Primark committing to open a 38,000 sq ft unit at Fairhill is the culmination of 18 months work following the acquisition of the scheme by Magmel. We have listened to both the current occupier’s and customers suggestions on how best to further strengthen the Centre and believe the addition of Primark will confirm Fairhills position as one of the premier shopping centres in Northern Ireland and we look forward to announcing further additions to Fairhill in the near future."
Jacqui Byers, Primark Area Manager for Northern Ireland also confirmed that the brand's current store, located in the Tower Centre Ballymena, would close. She said:
“We are pleased to confirm our relocation to Fairhill Shopping Centre, the new store will be double the size of our existing offering once completed, so we are looking forward to bringing an even bigger and better Primark shopping experience to our customers in Ballymena in the next few years.”