As plans progress, Primark – the international fashion retailer – will remain open for trading as usual on Cornmarket until its new space in Derbion is ready to open, which is estimated for the first half of 2027. The move to Derbion would see Primark move into a newly curated space, including a brand-new dedicated entrance for Primark customers on Albion Walk.
The Reason behind the Action
The creation of this new space for Primark is part of a significant joint investment by Derbion and Primark. This has seen Derbion’s management team work with the previous occupiers of this space like Superdrug, H Samuel, The Perfume Shop and Iceland to relocate and retain them within the centre providing space so they can deliver new fit outs complete with their latest store formats. As a result of the relocations and investment, these retailers are already seeing uplifts in their performance.
Primark’s arrival will also prompt a transformation of Boots’ existing store at Derbion. Working closely with the Derbion team, Boots has secured new space that enables a reconfiguration of its store footprint. This will allow the retailer to invest in enhanced services for its customers, including opticians, hearing care, and pharmacy offerings
The addition of Primark continues Derbion’s leasing strategy of optimising the offer from its current retailers whilst attracting new brands to its diverse tenant mix. In recent months the shopping centre has welcomed brands including Victoria’s Secret, Seasalt, and Luke 1977, whilst Derbion favourites Footlocker, Pandora and Moss have all invested in store upgrades.
Stakeholder Statements
Michael Boundy, Director of Asset Management at Derbion, said: “We are delighted to announce that Primark will be coming to Derbion, and we are excited to work with them on this fantastic new space. This letting and our investment into this part of the centre has required the support of the whole Derbion team who have done a great job in working with our existing retailers to ensure they are retained and relocated to spaces which will allow them to continue to thrive.
“The arrival of Primark showcases the confidence which leading brands have in Derbion and adds even more variety into our strong tenant mix. The plans for their new store also highlight the investment retailers are making to create innovative new stores which keep shoppers coming back for more. We can’t wait for their opening as we are sure it will attract visitors from across the region to experience what Derbion has to offer.”
Beth McDonald, Managing Director at Derbion said: “The arrival of Primark marks a major milestone in the ongoing evolution of Derbion. Primark has a proud history in Derby, and we are thrilled to provide this newly curated space which will form part the brand’s next chapter in the city. We look forward to working with the Primark team as they gear up to their opening in 2027.”
Philippa Nibbs, Director of Sales for South & East Region at Primark UK, said: “We’re very proud of our long-standing presence in Derby, with over 50 years of bringing local shoppers our great value fashion, beauty and homeware, creating jobs for local people and supporting the wider community. Our move to Derbion in 2027 will mark an exciting new chapter in our journey and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our new store. In the meantime, we are open as usual on Cornmarket and look forward to sharing more updates with our customers and colleagues in the coming months.”
