A Kent town will welcome its first ever Primark which will take over a huge former Debenhams store.
The popular brand will fill the empty unit in County Square shopping centre, off Ashford high street, as well as the neighbouring vacant former Select store.
Primark is to open at County Square shopping centre in Ashford
It will be a major boost for the closure-hit mall, which in recent years has lost River Island, Peacocks, Claire’s and The Body Shop.
Bosses of the complex say Primark will open in the centre’s extension, taking over the currently empty units in the second half of 2027.
Once open, the long-awaited Primark will include 29,000 sq ft of floor space.
It will become the branch’s seventh chain in the county alongside others at Canterbury, Folkestone, Westwood Cross, Tunbridge Wells, Chatham and Gravesend.
Primark will take on the units formerly home to Debenhams (pictured) and Select
Primark’s Kari Rodgers says the company is aware Ashford residents have been asking for a store for some time.
The company’s UK Retail Director said: “We know there’s been a lot of demand for us to bring Primark to Ashford, so we’re pleased to confirm plans to open in County Square later next year.
“With the demand for great value clothing higher than ever, we’re looking forward to bringing our offer to the town and becoming part of the local community.”
Once open, Primark would span almost half of the upper oval of the centre.
Although an official opening date is yet to be announced, project work will shortly commence to configure the unit so it is ready for fit-out.
Select left County Square in Ashford in 2024
Primark will join more than 45 stores in County Square, including other high street fashion brands New Look and Next.
County Square’s centre manager, Stacey Bell, added: “We are thrilled County Square will be the new home for Primark in Ashford.
“The brand’s arrival is a fantastic boost for the shopping centre, providing more choice of fashion, beauty and homeware for shoppers whilst supporting and creating jobs for our local community.
“We are working hard behind the scenes to transform the space ready for fit-out and opening next year.
“We predict the new store will also attract shoppers to County Square from further afield and are confident Primark’s opening and presence will strengthen our vibrant retail mix.
ABC’s Heather Hayward
“The highly anticipated announcement marks another chapter in County Square’s rich history and our ongoing commitment to creating a destination shopping venue for the town centre.”
Debenhams, the centre’s former flagship store, shut in January 2020, while Select closed its shutters four years later.
The complex has also seen the departures of The Body Shop in 2024 and Smiggle in 2025, while KentOnline recently reported Costa Coffee is due to leave the mall today.
Recent openings at the centre include Ramsdens and Shoe Zone.
Meanwhile, Warhammer, Divine, Made in Ashford, East Kent Mobility and wedding dress shop Wed2B, all relocated to County Square ahead of the demolition of Park Mall.
Ashford MP Sojan Joseph believes Primark’s arrival will help increase footfall in Ashford town centre
MP for Ashford, Sojan Joseph, said: “I warmly welcome Primark’s announcement they will be opening a new store here in Ashford.
“I have been working behind the scenes with Primark’s team and the relevant local authorities to make sure this happens.
“I’m sure it will increase footfall on our high street, create local jobs, and be real boost to our local economy.”
Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) portfolio holder for the town centre, Cllr Heather Hayward (Ash Inds), says Primark’s arrival has been years in the making.
She told KentOnline: “I am delighted to welcome Primark to Ashford and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come.
“The arrival of Primark in the town centre is fantastic news for our residents, visitors and local businesses.
“This investment is a major vote of confidence in Ashford’s future and will help strengthen us as a retail destination.
”This achievement has not happened by chance. It is the result of considerable lobbying, partnership working and determination behind the scenes.
“I would like to recognise the hard work of the County Square’s team, our local MP Sojan Joseph, and officers at ABC – all of whom have worked tirelessly over a number of years to help bring a retailer of Primark’s calibre to Ashford.
”Primark’s arrival will increase footfall, create new employment opportunities and generate additional spending that will benefit businesses across the town centre.”