Primark may open its first store in Cornwall

Value retailer Primark is said to be preparing to sign an agreement to lease a retail unit at the Coyte Farm development in St Austell,

Cornwall.

According to news outlet the Cornish Guardian, sources who are “closed to the development” believe that “a deal with Primark is imminent”. The future store is rumored to become the first Primark store to open in Cornwall, whose opening would create 200 new jobs. The store would also be the largest Primark store to open in the South West.

This news comes shortly before Cornwall Council's planning committee is set to make their final decision concerning the 110 million pound retail development. If the plans to create the 90-acre out-of-town retail leisure center are approved, retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Next and Sainsbury's are believed to be interested in opening stores at the site, which will provide hundreds of new jobs to the town.

However, a number of local businesses are concerned that the new shopping center will negatively affect the town's center. A spokesperson for Coyte Farm, Simon Hoare shared his hopes that town councilors would see the positive benefits that such a retail development could bring to the town. “This is a scheme that is funded and deliverable and is not a pipe dream. This is going to deliver those national retailers that people want to see,” said Hoare.