Primark is to open a store at Bluewater, KentOnline understands.

Staff at existing retailers have been informed that the discount fashion chain is coming in the near future and KentOnline has been told that it will replace Early Learning Centre (ELC) on Upper Thames Walk.

Employees at ELC are said to have been given written notice that it will be moving downstairs and setting up shop inside Mothercare on the Lower Thames Walk.

Mothercare bought ELC in June 2007 for £85 million and has since opened a number of them inside existing stores across the country.

Sources in the local business community have also suggested that Primark's arrival is on the cards.

An opening at Bluewater has been long-rumoured but recent additions to the shopping centre have been upmarket luxury brands such as kate spade new york, which so far has no UK stores outside London, and Michael Kors.

Primark already has seven stores in Kent, located in nearby Dartford and Gravesend, as well as Chatham, Maidstone, Canterbury, Thanet and Folkestone.

Bluewater and Primark have both been contacted for comment.