New Primark in Stafford will bring 150 jobs

The discount clothing chain is set to open a new branch at the £100m Riverside Development in October, alongside H&M, River Island and Marks & Spencer which have already confirmed they are opening branches at the site.

Primark spokesman Shabnam Bashir said: "The store will employ 151 people and recruitment is currently under way."

Councillor Patrick Farrington, leader of Stafford Borough Council, said he hoped the jobs would be snapped up by borough residents.

He said: "Obviously these are impressive figures but this is actually part of a wider jobs boost, which is even more exciting.

"The Riverside Development is set to create around 600 jobs and Primark is just one part of that initially.

"I would hope that the Primark jobs are taken by local people, that would be the ideal situation. While this and the rest of the Riverside Development will provide a boost to the economy, it is really the people of Stafford who are going to win if they get the jobs that will be on offer.

"There will be an inevitable boost to visitor numbers to the area too, so it is an exciting time.

"It is superb news that so many jobs are being created at a flagship store for Riverside."

The Riverside development's retail centre already has a 100 per cent take up from businesses looking to bring their brand to Stafford.

The clothes shops will be joined by a host of well-known chain restaurants including Chiquito, Nando's, Prezzo and the recently confirmed Coast to Coast.

A Revolution bar has already opened on the waterfront. It was also recently revealed that Odeon would be taking on ownership of the new six-screen 800-seat cinema which is set to raise its curtain next spring.

The 19,000 sq ft development is expected to create 600 jobs for the area.

The structure of the site itself is nearing completion and has been designed as a new gateway into the town for visitors.

Those who eventually visit the site will be able to park at the recently opened 14-storey 1,000 space car park and cross a newly installed footbridge over the River Sow.

The first stores will open in August with anchor retailer M&S set to be one of the first to welcome customers.

People interesting in applying for a job with Primark can visit www.primark.com/careers to apply online.