A NEW Primark store is due to open at the Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena as part of a £7 million investment by its new owners.

The fashion chain is expected to relocate from the Tower Centre to a larger 38,000 sq ft unit at Fairhill by 2025. It will include 26,100 sq ft of retail space.

Ballymena property company Magell bought the 280,000 sq ft shopping complex in 2021.

Owned by the Walker family, the £7m is first major investment in the centre by the local firm.

The centre now trades as Magmel (Ballymena) Limited. Director Ryan Walker said: “Since buying the centre we have been working hard to rejuvenate and revitalise the centre back to its former glory and this announcement will allow us to deliver on that vision.

“Fairhill Shopping Centre already boasts an impressive selection of retailers, and the addition of Primark will further enhance the shopping experience for all our customers.

“This investment will secure Fairhill’s positions as the leading fashion and retail destination in Mid & East Antrim.”

Mark Thallon from letting agents TDK said the announcement was the culmination of 18 months of work following the acquisition.

“We have listened to both the current occupier’s and customers suggestions on how best to further strengthen the centre and believe the addition of Primark will confirm Fairhill’s position as one of the premier shopping centres in Northern Ireland and we look forward to announcing further additions to Fairhill in the near future.”