Council 'making plans' for vacant Primark store

Primark is set to move to Derbion shopping centre in 2027

Derby City Council leader Nadine Peatfield has said Primark's planned move from the Cathedral Quarter to the Derbion shopping centre is a "positive investment".

The new shop, which will be located at the Albion Street end of the shopping centre, is due to open in 2027 with the current store staying open until then.

Peatfield said this gave the council time to "get it right" for what comes next.

However, she added it was "unlikely they would find a retailer that size" to fill the vacated unit in Cornmarket.

Council leader Nadine Peatfield said she was optimistic about the future

Describing Primark's move as "one of the worst kept secrets in Derby", the council leader said: "I want to reassure people and businesses in the Cathedral Quarter that our team have been and are working with the current owners on the [current Primark site].

"We are exploring options for the future of the site but this is still in the early stages.

"We're not going to share specific details at the moment but we have the time to make sure we get it right.

"We are absolutely thrilled Primark are continuing to invest in Derby so we have to look at that as a positive."

Mel Lowe said the move could impact footfall in the area

Meanwhile traders and shoppers in the Cathedral Quarter have been giving their reaction to the announcement.

Mel Lowe, who runs The Fig, an independent health store in Sadler Gate, said: "It might affect footfall in this area but it's a business decision for Primark.

"For independents down here, we offer something different so we hope our footfall will still be the same, it might be affected a little bit, we'll wait and see.

"Shopping centres for me are very generic, they offer pretty much the same in any city that you go to.

"Another big independent store would be great, we don't want something generic or more vape shops. Something nice would be good."

The new store will open at the Albion Street end of the shopping centre

Claudio Sava, who was out shopping with his wife Laura, said moving the Primark was a bad idea and would lead to fewer people coming into the Cornmarket area.

"I think it would be a better idea to keep it outside - Birmingham I believe has the biggest one and that is outside," he said.

"I don't think moving it into the shopping centre would be the best for this area... it will have a negative impact for sure."

But Sarah Smith was more supportive.

"I think it will be good for Derby, this could be an opportunity to improve this area," she said.

"If Primark goes from here, it could bring something new to the area, maybe a better opportunity here.

"It would boost footfall for Derbion with people spending more in the coffee shops up there."