A long-awaited multinational fashion and beauty retailer is coming to a Kent town.

Primark is set to open its first ever branch in Tunbridge Wells.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council confirmed today (August 9) that the retailer has purchased the former BHS building in Calverley Road.

In June, people began speculating after Homeland Furniture, which was occupying the unit, started a closing down sale.

At the time one shopper said: “We have to get footfall back in Tunbridge Wells and if Primark can do that then so be it.

“I hate to see the town with boarded up shops and big gaps where we had shoe and clothing shops.”

Many were claiming that Primark had always been destined for the town, but had to wait until the current lease was up.

Others suggested an H&M, Zara or Matalan should go in the unit.

Primark director of sales for London and the South East, Philippa Nibbs, said: “We are thrilled to be opening a new store in Tunbridge Wells.

“We know our customers have wanted a Primark here for a long time, so we can’t wait to open the doors and let our customers shop the products they know and love closer to home.

“Works will be underway soon and we will update in due course, but in the meantime, customers can shop at our nearby Maidstone and Crawley stores.”

In September, the council made the decision to buy Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.

It has been working with asset and development manager RivingtonHark to bring new brands into the town.

The fashion, home and beauty retailer will trade on two floors of the site, which extends into the shopping centre.

Cllr Justine Rutland, chairwoman of the investment advisory panel and cabinet member for economic development, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Primark to Tunbridge Wells.

“It was really important to us to see the former BHS unit filled with a store that many residents, especially young people, have been asking for, and which will complement existing businesses.

“Its arrival will create jobs and lead to a significant increase in footfall, bringing economic benefits to the town and the wider borough.

“Where Primark goes, other retailers follow, so this is a great reason to be cheerful for the future of the town centre.”

Lee Colyer, the council’s director of finance policy and development, added: “The council has played an important role in encouraging Primark to become the permanent occupant of the former BHS site in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

“Residents and businesses have been calling for Primark to have a presence in the town centre and this will provide a tremendous boost to the local economy and will link neatly with the recently acquired Royal Victoria Place shopping centre.

“Primark will be making a significant investment which we hope will encourage other businesses to also recognise that the prospects for Tunbridge Wells town centre have never looked better.”

Although an opening date is yet to be revealed, the refurbishment of the site is set to begin shortly.