Primark has opened its doors in Royal Tunbridge Wells
A line of shoppers queuing to be first into the store watched as the Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, David Osborne cut the ribbon on Friday 12 December 2025 and when the doors opened shoppers were greeted by a live DJ to celebrate the occasion.
Alongside the Mayor were senior members of the store’s team, councillors and senior Council staff.
‘We are thrilled to welcome Primark to Tunbridge Wells, just in time for Christmas. The opening has generated an incredible buzz across the town and provides a real boost following the recent water supply challenges. Primark will sit perfectly alongside our existing shops, complementing the mix of independent and national retailers that make Tunbridge Wells such a vibrant destination. Our town is very much open for business and ready to extend a big warm welcome to everyone for festive shopping and entertainment.’Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development.
‘The public said Primark was the number one retailer they would like to see come to Tunbridge Wells which also echoed the views of businesses within Royal Victoria Place. We worked hard on facilitating a deal that resulted in the owners of the former BHS store, which is attached to RVP, selling to Primark, whilst at the same time the Council was completing on its acquisition of RVP. This has resulted in the continued rise of the town centre as a primary destination for residents and visitors.
‘The work continues as we engage with residents and others on the transformation of the centre into a more vibrant, mixed-use destination to include a boutique cinema, enhanced leisure space and new homes on Market Square.’ Lee Colyer Director of Finance, Policy & Development
When the doors opened shoppers were greeted by a live DJ to celebrate the occasion.
In announcing the store’s opening Primark said that independent research conducted by Public First found that the retailer contributes £2.6 billion to the UK economy and supports 54,000 jobs across the country. In addition, 2.3 million people cite Primark as the main reason for visiting their high street each week, with every £10 spent at a Primark store generating an additional £3.60 for the high street. This means Primark supports around £1 billion of spending in other stores and £500 million in restaurants each year.
Primark has recruited more than 100 new staff members to the Royal Tunbridge Wells store team.
