Primark responds after South Shields shoppers call on them to open store in town

Last week it was revealed Phase four of the £100million South Shields 365 masterplan have been put on hold – the element of the project aiming to build a new supermarket behind Fowler Street in 2018/19.

Council bosses say the plans have now been deferred due to drop in demand for big supermarkets.

However, Gazette readers were keen to offer their suggestions of what they’d like to see on the site – with clothes store Primark receiving the biggest thumbs up.

The Gazette asked Primark bosses if there was any possibility a store could be created in the town in the future.

A spokesman said: “We are always grateful for such support. We cannot comment in detail on our future plans.

“But we have to take a number of issues into consideration before opening a new store.

“The UK market is very important to us and we remain determined to offer the best value on the high street.”

Reader Sue Powell is all for the clothing firm.

She wrote: “Primark is ideal for people who don’t have much money. You get good value for your money and it means the money would be spent in South Shields instead of Sunderland and Newcastle.”

Kelsie Paige Sinclair added: “Primark is one of the best retail stores, and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to shop.”

Eileen Gray offered: “Primark is what we need for clothes, bedding and household goods at affordable prices.”

Phase one of the plan has seen work start on a new digital media and library hub – The Word – during the last few months, along with a revamped market in Market Place.

The second phase, which was recently approved, will see a new transport interchange located in Keppel Street and the current Post Office being demolished.

Phase three aims to bring new leisure and retail facilities to the town centre.