Primark begins work on new Bradford store in The Broadway

The popular retailer will move into the huge unit once occupied by Debenhams before its closure in May 2021.

When the long-standing high street name collapsed into administration, huge spaces were left empty in towns and cities across the country.

A spokesperson for Primark today told the Telegraph & Argus: “I can confirm that works have begun on the new store location in The Broadway, and we’re really excited to be making the move.”

Primark is currently in the Kirkgate Shopping Centre

An opening date for the new store has not yet been confirmed.

Primark’s move to The Broadway was revealed in September last year.

The news formed part of a major announcement that Bradford Council had bought the Kirkgate Shopping Centre with a view to demolishing the building in the coming years as part of its City Village plan.

The Kirkgate site will be developed for city centre housing and green space.

It's hoped the City Village will revitalise a part of Bradford that has seen “a downturn in fortune". 

The development has attracted some controversy and Bradford Council claims creating homes in the city centre is needed to counter the “irreversible” decline in the high street.

There are fears that leaving this area of the city as it is will lead to an "outdated, retail-led and under-used part of the city centre - with its current decline continuing over coming years". 

Primark said the move to The Broadway would put the branch “at the heart of Bradford". 

Primark is opening a new store in the former Debenhams unit in The Broadway Bradford. Lights have been seen on in the unit as work begins (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking at the time of the announcement, Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, said: "After working closely with the Bradford Council and Primark, we're delighted to announce Primark will be opening a 55,000 sqft (gross) unit in the former Debenhams store.

“The retail industry has really felt the effects of the pandemic and I'm pleased to say as we move into the second half of 2022 that we're definitely emerging from the other side more positive than ever. The Broadway will be announcing a host of new retailers before the end of the year to further bolster the local economy."

Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, added: “We are delighted to be moving into The Broadway, putting us at the heart of Bradford. The new store will put us in a prime location to give customers more of what they love.

"We’re looking forward to getting to work on the new store and welcoming customers new and old through the doors."