EXCITED businesses have welcomed the potential re-opening of the former Primark shop in the Royals Shopping Centre after workers were spotted in the unit.
The old Primark has been closed since 2020 when the chain moved to a new shop in Southend High Street.
However, workers have been spotted inside the High Street shopping centre shop in recent workers and excitement is building that it could soon re-open as a new business takes over the space.
Daniel Cowan, Labour leader of Southend Council, called the potential move encouraging and looks forward to seeing who the new tenants are.
Rumours among businesses and residents suggest the space could become a gym, while others have called for a budget business to open similar to the new B&M which is opening in the old Wilko at the Victoria Shopping Centre.
Alex Wallace, 33, owner of the The Geek Vault in the centre, said: “There’s the B&M which is moving to the Victoria which is good news, but it’s a shame it’s there and not here.
“At the end of the day, it’s something that will hopefully increase footfall. It’s a shame that we’ve got an empty space there, but the Royals is a fantastic building.
“A marketplace would be a great idea, to allow more independent businesses like ourselves to come in and have a place on the High Street, which would open more chances for local businesses to thrive.
“If it is a gym, I would go, I would definitely be using that.”
Rebecca Winchester, 43, a retail assistant at Grape Tree in the centre, hopes new tenants are coming and is confident an extra business would be a big boost for the Royals.
“I would like to see anything really, shops people would use, shops like this. I would also like to see a shop like Debenhams.
“It was a big part of this place, and since it’s gone, it’s not been as busy.
“It would really give hope to the Royals. I would like to see something like B&M, or maybe even another café.”
Mr Cowan said: “It’s encouraging to hear that work might be going on at the old Primark unit in the Royals Shopping Centre
“It’s always positive to hear about more business and investment coming into Southend.
“We look forward to seeing who the new tenants are if someone has moved in.”
Royals Shopping Centre was contacted for comment.
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