Merseyway benefits from Primark effect

THE arrival of popular discount fashion chain Primark to Stockport’s Merseyway shopping centre has boosted visitor numbers by almost 20%, according to new data.

The 47,500 sq ft centre, which is being managed by GVA, had already been increasing visitor numbers over the summer and a number of retailers have taken units including River Island, Deichman Shoes and Costa Coffee.

GVA was appointed as Law of Property Act receivers of the Merseyway shopping centre in February 2009 after former owners Stockport Holdings placed the centre into administration.

It said that current footfall levels at the centre are now outpacing the national average.

Mark Rawstron, senior director of GVA in Manchester, said: “New investment in the centre has clearly resulted in people returning to Merseyway for the first time. The arrival of Primark was obviously a major coup and boosted that upward trend.

“Retail is facing difficult and well-documented challenges but it’s pleasing and encouraging to note that the Merseyway figures are above the national and the regional averages. We now look forward to a busy autumn and Christmas period.”

Councillor Kevin Hogg, executive member for regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “These figures are great news and very promising for the future of Stockport town centre.”