Popular high street brand Primark will be coming to to Cornwall for the first time as it sets up shop in a 50,000 sq ft store at Lemon Quay in Truro city centre.

Primark, which has agreed a 20 year lease with Schroder UK Property Fund, is aiming to open the store in 2016.

Schroder UK Property Fund bought the 165,619 sq ft Lemon Quay retail parade in Truro in November 2013. In order to accommodate Primark’s arrival at Lemon Quay, they will be moving Fabrics, Peacocks, HMV and Tony Pryce Sports out of smaller units and creating a new unit for O2.

Works will begin in January 2015 to provide Primark with the agreed 50,000 sq ft of space, which will be handed over to the retailer by January 2016 who will then commence internal work ahead of an opening later in 2016.

Harry Pickering, Investment Manager for Schroder UK Property Fund, said: “Having acquired Lemon Quay less than a year ago, we are extremely pleased to be welcoming such a big brand to Truro.

"The letting will significantly boost the city centre’s shopping offer and cement Truro’s reputation as Cornwall’s retail hub. Primark is a really exciting addition for Truro and a popular choice with many of our shoppers and we look forward to welcoming the brand to Cornwall for the first time.”

Loic Rich, Mayor of Truro said: “Truro City Centre is an important retail centre and this will strengthen our position, with more jobs, investment, and a range of benefits to the local community.”

Neil Scott, BID Manager, Totally Truro, said: “Truro’s deserved reputation as the premier retail destination in Cornwall and indeed, one of the best in the south west will be further strengthened with the arrival of Primark.

"The strength of Truro’s retail offer and experience is its unique mix of independent shops and well known high street brands, but there are a few gaps in this mix with Primark being the most talked about retailer that is currently not in Truro. The arrival of their new store in Truro will bring new shoppers into this great little city.”