Suffolk: Primark store to open in Bury St Edmunds Arc

The fashion retailer is expected to be open by the end of 2023 and will occupy the top two floors of the former flagship Debenhams store at the Arc shopping centre.

The 33,000sqft new store located in the Arc will create about 90 jobs for local people. 

The Debenham Bury St Edmunds store, which was the last standing in Suffolk, closed down in May last year. 

Since 2019, a social media group called ‘Primark for Bury St Edmunds’ has been running on Facebook with many people hoping for the retailer to join the town.

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.

"We’re really looking forward to becoming a part of this great community and bringing new and existing customers the Primark products they love.”

Allan Hassell, Arc centre manager, added: “There has been much discussion and excitement amongst the local community as to the future of our previous Debenhams unit at arc Shopping Centre.

"The addition of Primark is a marvellous opportunity for Bury St Edmunds and one I’m sure our shoppers will be thrilled to receive.

"We are excited to monitor the forecasted positive impact this new store will have on the shopping centre and town of Bury St Edmunds, and look forward to announcing further developments soon.”

The basement floor of the former Debenhams has been reserved for another addition to the Arc shopping centre. 

In August plans for a new cinema in the basement of the landmark building were approved. 

Bury WM Unit Trust's plans for an Everyman cinema – including four screens and a smaller private hire screen, with a total of 306 seats – were approved by West Suffolk Council on August 19.