More delays in store for Primark site

ITS customers are known for their keen fashion sense and shrewd eye for a bargain.

Today it emerged that Edinburgh fans of Primark must also be among the most patient.

For, despite having been linked with opening an outlet on Princes Street since 2006, it seems Primark is unlikely to open its doors to shoppers any time this year. Instead they will have to wait until August 2011.

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The bargain chain is to embark on a public consultation before lodging detailed plans for the former Marks & Spencer outlet at 91-93 Princes Street in March.

However, the sheer scale of the redevelopment work – which will include a dramatic revamp of the existing Rose Street exit to create a proper shop frontage – means the proposed opening date is more than 18 months away.

That means it will have taken more than five years from the development first being proposed to the store opening.

Part of the delay is believed to be the result of previous plans for the store being scrapped in favour of ones more sympathetic to the existing building.

Neil de Prez, of Edinburgh-based architects 3DReid, said: "Primark could have opened a year ago, but they have huge ambitions. They want to make it one of the major stores in the UK and are keen to do it properly.

"There's no doubt they will be a major retailer in Princes Street."

The Primark team will present details of its plans at two public meetings tomorrow and Wednesday, offering locals a direct say in how the new store will look.

Key features, however, are likely to include a clear walkway through the store from Princes Street to Rose Street, picture windows on the Princes Street upper floors, and a realignment of the interior.

Graham Bell, spokesman for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said Primark's presence in Princes Street and its link to Rose Street would help realise part of the city council's "string of pearls" vision for the area.

"That whole idea has focussed on the fact that Rose Street has been neglected. There are some considerable attractions to strolling down Rose Street rather than fighting the crowds in Princes Street.

"It's good news that Primark are talking about converting the whole building to create a proper department store."

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, added: "Not only will this development provide a welcome boost to our retail offering but it will also create a great many jobs during these difficult times."

• Primark's consultations will take place at the Abbey Business Centre, 83 Princes Street, on Tuesday 19 January from 6-8pm, and Wednesday, 20 January from 12noon-2pm