WORK is set to get under way on a new Primark store at Ballymena’s Fairhill Shopping Centre, with a new River Island concept also in the works.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have formally approved the plans of new owners Magmel (Ballymena) Limited.
The £7 million project, first announced in May 2023, will see fast fashion giant Primark move from the Tower Centre to a 38,000 sq ft unit at the Fairhill Shopping Centre, becoming its anchor tenant in 2025.
It comes just two years after the shopping complex returned to local ownership.
To facilitate Primark’s plans, River Island will relocate within the centre, and take the opportunity to establish a new 11,000 sq ft fashion concept format.
Work has already started on the two-floor unit.
Magmel’s Ryan Walker has also confirmed Toytown will relocate to a larger unit within the Fairhill Shopping Centre.
Read more:
- Primark confirm Fairhill move as new owners plan £7m investment in Ballymena shopping centre
- Ballymena property firm Magell completes Fairhill deal
- River Island to bring new fashion concept store ‘River Studios' to Belfast
“We are thrilled with the pace of developments and are particularly excited to secure River Island in a new unit at the very heart of Fairhill,” said Mr Walker.
“The new River Island store represents the beginning of a new chapter for Fairhill, with a modern and vibrant range of retailers driving Ballymena back to the top of the list of must-visit retail destinations. We look forward to the new store opening in time for Christmas.
“Toytown opening a new store at Fairhill is testament to the quality of our retailer line-up and will further bolster Fairhill’s retail offering with the very best regarding toys and children’s nursery equipment,” he added.
Mark Thallon from TDK Commercial Property Consultants, added: “We have been delighted with how well the news of Primark coming to Fairhill has been received, the relocations of River Island and Toytown complete the first phase and we look forward to building on this with several other exciting new openings to follow in the next few months.”
