COLCHESTER’S long-awaited Primark store will create 168 jobs when it opens next year, it has been revealed.

The clothing chain will be moving into the BHS building in Lion Walk, which is closing on January 9.

Shabnam Bashir, spokesman, said: “At this stage, we are not able to provide an estimated opening date, however Primark does expect to create 168 jobs at the new store.”

He refuted rumours Primark is looking to take on the adjacent Co-op-owned building, which has been vacant for more than a years since Townrow closed its Sale Store.

Ron Levy, of the Colchester Business Retail Association, said the prospect of a large number of jobs is a good thing, although not all of them are necessarily full time.

He said: “Any job is worth having, but what kind of jobs are they?

“All jobs are worth something but we must not get too excited.

“However, and everyone I have spoken to is looking forward to Primark moving in.”

David Burch, director of policy at the Essex Chambers of Commerce, said the jobs will be good news for Colchester.

He said: “Colchester town centre is already doing better than some of its critics suggest and Colchester Council is doing a lot to keep the town centre alive.

“The arrival of Primark will add further to that.

“Having spoken to businesses, Primark was one of the main shops people wanted to see in the town.”

He said the store will help to revitalise Long Wyre Street and Short Wyre Street, which has a number of empty properties.

He said: “Anything that keeps people in the town centre is a positive thing.

“It should make it easier to suggest that area to other retailers to bring their businesses in.”

BHS has confirmed the store will close on Saturday, January 9.