Primark has moved a step closer to moving its High Wycombe store after a new planning application was approved.

The fast fashion giant is relocating its High Wycombe branch from the town’s Chilterns Shopping Centre to the Eden Shopping Centre this year.

Primark’s new Eden store will open in the unit formerly occupied by House of Fraser, which closed in January 2023.

In a fresh update on Primark’s migration across town, plans to put up 10 new signs around the budget retailer’s new site have been approved.

Buckinghamshire Council planning officers gave consent for illuminated Primark lettering, advertising boards, panels and other signage to be put up in and around Newlands Meadow, including on the side of the car park.

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In their approval of the signs, planning officers said: “Overall, the proposal is not considered to result in any significant visual harm that would be detrimental to the appearance and character of the street scene or character of the locality.”

Eden said the plans for Primark’s relocation were of ‘high quality and to the benefit’ of the shopping centre, which opened in 2008.

The centre is already home to major high street brands, including H&M, Schuh, and Superdry, as well as food, drink and leisure outlets.

Primark’s relocation to Eden was first floated by the council in 2021 after House of Fraser fell into administration in 2018.

Staff at Primark High Wycombe have been told that the relocation to Eden will happen in October this year, one worker told the Bucks Free Press.

Bosses at the popular chain said moving day will be in the second half of this year but refused to confirm a specific date.

Primark’s exit from the Chilterns follows an exodus of the shopping centre’s big names, including most recently Wilko, which permanently shut its doors at the site in 2023.

The mass departure from the Chilterns comes as the ailing retail hub has been earmarked for 303 new flats by Dandara Living, which submitted plans to overhaul the site to the council in October.

As planning officers mull over Dandara’s proposals for the Chilterns, Primark’s exit from the centre is the Eden Centre’s gain, according to Eden director Andrew Norton.

He said: “This is fantastic news for High Wycombe. Primark is a leading international clothing retailer with a focus on affordable fashion, beauty and homeware.

“Moving to Eden will enable Primark to improve its presence in the town with more modern and convenient premises in a prime location.”

Primark UK Retail director Kari Rodgers said: “Thriving shopping districts benefit everyone and the store relocation will bring Primark closer to the town centre, bringing added convenience to our High Wycombe customers and giving them even more reasons to visit Eden.”