Lancaster Primark opening delayed again

Doors were originally due to open during Easter after months of setbacks.

Now Primark officials say the Lancaster store will open later on this year - an exact date is not yet known.

The development has been delayed numerous times since it was announced Primark would take over the city’s former market hall.

The shop, which will become the city’s largest retail store, was due to open in early 2015 but was put back until Christmas 2015. Almost a year ago original contractors for the build, GB Building Solutions, went into administration and 
Lancashire-based contractors Askam Civil Engineering Ltd took over.

Work on the 50,000 sq ft building caused controversy with some city centre businesses last year as nearby Marketgate pathwaysclosed, including Gillison’s Lane.The paths have now reopened.

A source told the Guardian that Primark had asked all advertisements for jobs to be withheld until after the summer.’

But job adverts have gone ahead this week, with retail assistants and supervisor jobs available, paying up to £4.64 per hour for under 18s, £5.79ph for 18-20 year-olds, £6.70ph for 21 plus and £7.38ph for supervisors.

Interviews will be held for shortlisted candidates on Saturday and Sunday April 2-3.

A spokesman from Primark said: “Primark expects to open its new store in Lancaster later this year.”

The former market hall has undergone a £4m revamp to create Lancaster’s largest anchor store.