£7 million investment sees Primark relocating to Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena

Primark will leave its store in the town’s Tower Centre to fill the void left by Debenhams in Fairhill.

The £7m investment in construction of the new unit is expected to create 80 to 100 jobs during the development project.

The new store has a target handover date of 2025 and is set to join other fashion brands such as Marks & Spencer, Next, H&M, Superdry, JD Sports, River Island and New Look at the centre.

Ryan Walker, director of Magmel (Ballymena) Limited, Fairhill’s owners said: “We are thrilled to announce the news that Primark will be joining the tenant line up at Fairhill.

“Since buying the centre in 2021 we have been working hard to rejuvenate and revitalise it back to its former glory and this announcement will allow us to deliver on that vision.

“Fairhill Shopping Centre already boasts an impressive selection of retailers, and the addition of Primark will further enhance the shopping experience for all our customers.

“This investment will secure Fairhill’s position as the leading fashion and retail destination in Mid and East Antrim.”

Mark Thallon, of TDK Commercial Property Consultants, said they have listened to “customers’ suggestions” on how to improve the shopping centre.

“The announcement of Primark committing to open at Fairhill is the culmination of 18 months work following the acquisition of the scheme by Magmel,” he added.

“We have listened to both the current occupiers’ and customers’ suggestions on how best to further strengthen the centre and believe the addition of Primark will confirm Fairhill’s position as one of the premier shopping centres in Northern Ireland.

“We look forward to announcing further additions to Fairhill in the near future.”

Jacqui Byers, Primark area manager for Northern Ireland 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.”