Primark inspected former Wilko store in Great Yarmouth

According to a document prepared by estate agents FMX Urban Property Advisors, the fast-fashion giant looked at the former Wilko store which closed last year. 

The brochure is part of efforts to sell Market Gates, which has been put on the market for a guide price of £4.58m.

It states that the shopping centre "has received offers from national multiples including Primark and Deichmann to enter the scheme". 

A Primark store in Norwich. (Image: Denise Bradley) It also says that JD Sports have approached the owners of the shopping centre regarding an upsize and have previously offered to take part of the former Wilko unit - which is now being taken over by discount store B&M.

"Primark also expressed a strong interest in the former Wilko unit and have inspected the scheme," the document says. 

READ MORE: Opening date for town's new B&M store revealed

For many the prospect of a Primark in Great Yarmouth would be a ray of retail sunshine.

In 2019, a petition to bring the budget chain to the town hit more than 2,000 signatures.

At the time, town centre manager Jonathan Newman confirmed conversations with the retail giant had taken place.

But he suggested one of the main reasons negotiations had not progressed further was because many of the vacant buildings in the town were not big enough for the retailer.

Market Gates shopping centre in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Newsquest) In 2020, a cryptic tweet only fuelled speculation that Primark could be coming to the town.

People began joining the dots after a Google Maps search for Palmers department store, which closed down in March of that year, appeared to show a Primark in the same location.

A tweet from Primark then said "Keep your eyes peeled" adding a coy emoji suggesting something yet to be announced.

Currently, the nearest Primark to Great Yarmouth is in Norwich while there is also one in King's Lynn.