ONE of Thanet's worst kept secrets has been revealed this afternoon after it was confirmed that Primark are to open a new branch at Westwood Cross.

The popular budget clothing brand will move into a new 70,000ft unit to be built on an existing car park next to TK Maxx.

Work on the new store is due to begin this summer, in a move that will delight thousands of Thanet fashion fans.

Westwood Cross general manager Tom Price said: "This is great news for Westwood Cross.

"Primark's two-storey store will add a whole new dimension to the shopping experience at the centre.

"Many of our regular visitors have been campaigning for a Primark alongside our top retail names for a long time and they will be delighted.

"Retailers are facing challenging times, but Westwood Cross is going from strength to strength.

"Our expansion with the arrival of Primark and the upgrading of our Marks & Spencer anchor store are just two of many clear indicators of retailers' confidence in Westwood Cross to help them meet those challenges."

The out-of-town centre, in between Thanet's three main towns, opened in 2005 and has 45 retail units, a gym, a 10 screen cinema, bingo hall, casino and four restaurants, and attracts 4.5 million people a year.

The move is sure to cause concern among traders in Margate town centre, where Primark is widely regarded as one of the most popular attractions.