Primark is set to open in Tunbridge Wells town centre.

The retail chain, which has 191 stores in the UK, has purchased the former BHS site on Calverley Road with a view to creating a two-storey shop.

Primark has said renovation works on the site at the council-owned Royal Victoria Place shopping centre will begin shortly.

The announcement follows the council’s consultation on plans to regenerate the town centre by 2040.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said it hopes the move will bring jobs and an economic boost to the town centre.

Justine Rutland, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development, said: “It was really important to us to see the former BHS unit filled with a store that many residents, especially young people, have been asking for, and which will complement existing businesses.”

Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin said: “Stores like Primark are what are called anchor tenants and they bring other stores, and much increased footfall, to towns.”

In March 2023, the council’s business plan reported 28% of Royal Victoria Place’s units were empty.

In 2023, the council bought the centre’s lease from British Land and appointed developers RivingtonHark to manage the centre.

In July, Nando’s announced it would open a restaurant in the former Gateway building on Grosvenor Road.

The shopping centre unit bought by Primark is currently occupied by Homeland Furniture, which announced its closure in June.

The retail property was once home to BHS before the chain went into administration in 2016.

Primark London and South East sales director Philippa Nibbs said: “We know our customers have wanted a Primark here for a long time.”