New Primark store due to open in 2016

Work had been temporarily disrupted by former national contractor GB Building Solutions going into administration but with local firm Askam Civil Engineering Ltd now appointed to complete the works following a successful initial period, shoppers in Lancaster can look forward to the benefits of Marketgate shopping centre owner’s £4m revamp.

The re-opening of Gillison’s Lane will take place in late August and has been deliberately brought forward to the earliest possible point in the overall construction programme.

Additional decoration and other finishing works will follow once the Lane has been re-opened.

Work on the 50,000 sq ft Primark is also continuing well and, once complete, will create the largest anchor store in Lancaster.

Chris Beckerman, managing director of Roubaix Group, said: “Investing into and improving Marketgate has been our priority since we bought the shopping centre late last year and we are now really starting to see the results of our £4 million revamp being realised.

“We’re grateful for everyone’s patience during construction and I have no doubt that the benefits will be worth waiting for.

“This upgrade, and more improvements to follow, will reinforce the quality and appeal of Lancaster’s shopping offer.”

In addition to the new Primark, the upgrade works will include wider redecoration of the centre, improvements to lighting, new signage and the re-opening of the upper level car park in October, providing a total of 140 car parking spaces.

Re-opening Gillison’s Lane also involves the completion of an important new walkway into the shopping centre to better connect shops and streets.