It's finally here! Primark opens in Walsall

The long-awaited store forms a centrepiece of the multi-million pound revamp of Old Square Shopping Centre along with Co-op, and the doors opened at 10am.

More than 750 people queued in the rain - some from as early as 6.45am - waiting to be among the first through the doors.

Council bosses today revealed that around 4,000 job-hunters applied for the 150 posts available at the store.

The 44,000 sq ft Primark unit marks the first phase of the £21m revamp of the shopping centre.

There are further plans to create a new, modern glass entrance as part of the makeover.

Walsall Council pumped in £8m from its own cash reserves to help get the project off the ground.

A total of 170 new jobs, including full and part time positions, will be created across both Primark and Co-op, which is expected to open in the autumn.

Primark spokesman Shabnam Bashir said: "Primark is delighted to announce the opening of its new store in Walsall.

"We are committed to offering the best in-store experience, the most exciting and distinctive new fashion collections and the best of homeware to our customers, at the lowest prices and best value on the high street."

Demolition of the former Tesco unit and other properties in Digbeth to pave way for the redevelopment began in March 2014.

The Primark unit was handed over in April allowing staff to kit out the interior.

Bosses have been working with the council's employment skills team to to help the recruitment.

Deputy council leader Adrian Andrew said: "I'm delighted that we have finally completed this exciting project.

"It's a massive boost for the town. You can feel the anticipation and excitement building.

He added that it was one of the many regeneration projects now being carried out in the heart of the borough.

Councillor Andrew added: "Just take a look around at what's happening in Walsall.

"There's some amazing regeneration work taking place in the town, delivering almost £40m of investment and approximately 700 new jobs.

"The new cinema scheme at Walsall Waterfront is progressing well and is expected to be open early next year. Walsall College's state-of-the-art Business and Sports Hub will be completed next month and includes business start-up space, a sports hall with badminton courts, dance and fitness studios, spa facilities and a fine dining restaurant all open to the public. The Jhoots Pharmacy HQ will also be completed in the autumn.

"And we're looking forward to the start of the £12m redevelopment at St Matthew's Quarter which will improve the retail offer for local shoppers and attract further investment in Walsall."

The plans have also received widespread support on Facebook, where more than 5,200 have 'liked' a page about bringing Primark to Walsall. Elsewhere in the town centre, demolition of the derelict car park in Lower Hall Lane along with other buildings will take place this summer in order to make way for a £12m retail and leisure development.

Norton and Proffitt Developments has acquired key areas of land and buildings in the St Matthew's Quarter development site for just £1 from Walsall Council.

The development, which has already attracted big names such as Poundland and B&M, is expected to create around 200 new jobs.

The local authority will receive a share of the profits generated by the completed scheme. Two separate multi-million pound cinema and leisure developments are also planned for the town centre.

The distinctive shape of the leisure complex is now in place at Walsall Waterfront while another is earmarked next to Tesco.

The development opposite the Crown Shopping Park will also see Chiquito, Pizza Express, Bella Italia and Hungry Horse open. The building work is being carried out by Kier Property.

To mark the opening of Primark, the shopping centre is holding a summer party on Saturday from 11am until 3pm.

There will be entertainment from Britain's Got Talent act Hoop La La children's activities. Parking will be free on the NCP car park.