Fashion chain Primark is reported to be in talks for a new 200,000 sq ft megastore in the centre of Birmingham.
The budget retailer is believed to be in negotiations to take over most, if not all of UBS Triton Property Fund’s Pavilions shopping centre which sits next to the Bullring. Primark has a store on New Street in the city.
The megastore would be Primark’s largest in the UK, followed by its 150,000 sq ft shop in Manchester’s Market Street .
The 250,000 sq ft Pavilions has struggled with voids since the Bullring opened 10 years ago. The centre used to be anchored by HMV until it collapsed into administration and closed the store.
UBS is believed to be in talks with existing tenants including Laura Ashley, Evans, H&M to surrender their leases. A deal with Primark could also include the sale of the centre to the retailer.
It is unclear whether the New Street store would remain open if the deal goes ahead.
UBS is due to have plans confirmed by the end of November to divide the centre into two or three units, or remove dividing walls if the Primark deal goes ahead.
lisa.pilkington@estatesgazette.com
