Primark to move out of Magna Park

The company is moving 35 miles down the road to a big new purpose-built centre next to the A14 in Northamptonshire.

The move means an uncertain future for Primark’s 300 workers at Magna Park.

But the Unite union, in discussions with Primark, said workers would be given the opportunity to move, if they wanted it.

The Primark move is bad news for Magna Park owners IDI Gazeley, who would have hoped to retain such a big client at their Lutterworth hub.

The cash and carry group Costco also moved out of Magna Park recently.

IDI Gazeley Planning Director Gwyn Stubbings said: “We like to think if we could expand Magna Park, and new space was available, then most growing businesses would seriously consider staying here.”

Magna Park is a major supplier of business rates to Harborough District Council.

A Primark spokesperson confirmed this week that the company was re-locating to a one million square foot facility at Islip, Northamptonshire.

The spokesperson said the aim was to “develop a new distribution centre to support continued business growth”.

“The decision to move operations from Magna Park has been a very difficult one and follows a lengthy and detailed review of all options aimed at increasing capacity” the spokesperson said.

“Ultimately, transferring to the new, larger depot configuration at Islip will provide Primark with essential capacity and flexibility for growth.”