Primark to open in Parkway Shopping centre, Newbury in 2025

It’s official. Primark is coming to Newbury next year.

We can exclusively reveal that global investment company and Parkway Shopping owners abrdn have now exchanged an agreement for lease with Primark to occupy a split of the former Debenhams store.

Parkway hopes to carry out division works before handing over the unit to Primark at the end of this year, with a view to the affordable fashion retailer opening in 2025.

The new store, which will measure approximately 35,000 sq ft over ground and first floors, is expected to create around 100 jobs for the local community.

Primark director of sales Conor Walsh said: “After some speculation, we are excited to confirm that we will be opening a new store in Newbury next year, creating new jobs and bringing great, affordable fashion to local shoppers.

“We’re looking forward to becoming a part of the local community.”

abrdn fund manager David Stewart added: “We are delighted that Primark will be opening a new store in Newbury.

“They are a terrific addition to the existing tenant mix and will be fantastic for the eastern end of the mall.”

A planning application to make external alterations to the Debenhams unit were approved by West Berkshire Council last week.

The approved plans involve kitting out the façade of the unit to have it fall in line with Primark’s brand, such as re-cladding the entrance portal to the iconic turquoise and applying a “snowflake” vinyl graphic to the first floor window glazing.

The loading bay at the back of the unit on Park Road will be altered to suit Primark’s requirements and a new fire escape will be installed on Park Road as well.

Two nationwide retailers will also be opening new units in Parkway “in a matter of weeks”.

Outdoor sportswear brand Trespass and clothing and homeware specialist Edinburgh Woollen Mill will be opening shops in Newbury soon.

Trespass, which was established in 1984, specialises in skiwear, waterproof jackets, fleeces, festival accessories, walking boots and camping gear.

Edinburgh Woollen Mill used to have a store in Newbury, at 25 Northbrook Street, which closed in 2020.

The brand has traditionally targeted men and women over the age of 40 with knitwear and other fashion products.

Parkway centre manager Andrew Marmot said: “We are delighted to welcome both Trespass and Edinburgh Woollen Mill to our retail line-up.

“Along with the relocation and upsizing of The Sweetbox Café, these new leases represent the first in a strong pipeline of new operators coming to Parkway in 2024.

“The leasing success we have been having at Parkway highlights the continuing popularity that market towns and Newbury especially are having as retail destinations.”