TRADERS say Primark’s projected spring 2017 opening in Colchester is a body blow for businesses in the town centre.

The popular clothing chain had previously hoped to move into the BHS store, in Lion Walk, before Christmas this year.

Primark has since revealed it will not open until spring next year, but could not give an exact date.

It comes as a major disappointment for businesses because BHS will close on Saturday and the former Townrow Sale Store has been vacant for more than a year.

Sonu Singh, manager at Evolution, a clothes shop opposite the BHS building, said: “Business is slow anyway as not many people come down here, so it will definitely be bad for business.

“More people would come this way if Primark was here. There are no big brands down this way.”

Elaine Blowers, who works at the Beehive craft shop in Short Wyre Street, said: “It’s disappointing news as it would bring so much more business to this end of town.

“It would have been really nice to have it sooner rather than later and make the town look like a proper shopping area.”

Neil Dobson, joint owner of Jacqueline’s Tea Room in Short Wyre Street, said: “It was going to be a real bonus, especially if plans for the Tolgate Village go ahead.

“This will definitely impact businesses. Everyone was talking about Primark coming here and we want every space filled.”

Ron Levy, secretary from Colchester Business Retail Association, said he was disappointed at the “delay”.

He said: “We thought this Christmas was a long time to wait and couldn’t understand why it was taking so long, so to be told now there will be further delays is even more disappointing.

“People are very concerned as they were so excited at the prospect.

“We are pleased it is coming, but any delay is going to be frustrating.”

David Burch, director of policy at Essex Chamber of Commerce, said he hopes it is not a sign Primark’s commitment is waning.

He said: “When we get empty properties, particularly ones of that size, it does mean we have got an area of the town that isn’t as vibrant as it could be and people are not going to want to go there.”

Peter Scopes, manager of Lion Walk Shopping Centre, said the later-than-expected opening date could mean Primarkwill be carrying out a bigger and better refurbishment.

He said: “There will be substantial remodelling which indicates it is going to do an even larger clearout for a bigger retail space.

“I have not heard from them about the revised date, or the reason behind it, but I know the BHS store is like a labyrinth with all the back rooms, and I know it would be a lengthy strip-out period.

“We prefer to see our units open, but sometimes there is a balance to be struck, where the unit can be much better than envisaged by delaying the opening and taking time.”