First look revealed of highly-anticipated Primark in Bury St Edmunds

A preview of Bury St Edmunds’ much-anticipated Primark has been revealed.

Work is under way to transform the ground and first floors of the former Debenhams at the arc shopping centre into a branch of the fast fashion retailer.

Planning documents for signage have offered a glimpse of what the new shop could look like.

Primark has sought advertisement consent from West Suffolk Council for an internally illuminated fascia sign and an internally illuminated LED linear strip light.

A 228 seat Everyman Cinema is also due to open in the basement of the former Debenhams.

Last month, Allan Hassell, centre manager at the arc, said landlord works were progressing well but there were no opening dates as of yet for Primark or the cinema.

A Primark spokesperson said works were under way and they were excited to open the new store in Bury St Edmunds.

When announced last November, Primark said the new shop would create about 90 jobs. Details on vacancies and how to apply will be released in the coming months on careers.primark.com.

It followed calls within the town for the retailer to open a branch, with thousands joining the Primark for Bury St Edmunds Facebook group.

At the time, Philippa Nibbs, Primark UK Director of Sales for London and the South East, said: “We know people in Bury St Edmunds have been calling for a local Primark for a while now, so we’re delighted to finally be able to confirm our plans for the town.”

Primark operates a network of 422 stores in 16 countries in Europe and the US.

Debenhams, the arc's flagship store, shut in May 2021 when the struggling firm disappeared from the high street following a multi-million pound takeover of the brand which excluded its shops.

It opened at the launch of the shopping centre 14-years-ago.

The Primark company was founded by Arthur Ryan in 1969 as Penneys in Dublin.

The first UK store launched in Derby in 1973.