Shoppers queued along Eastgate Street in Gloucester this morning for the grand opening of the new Primark store.

The value fashion chain has relocated from inside King's Walk to the old BHS store on the main street, offering extra retail space - at 29,100 square feet - and creating more than 70 new jobs.

At one point there was a queue of 85 people snaking their way to the tills inside.

Conor Walsh, Primark director of sales for the UK, South West and North East, said: "We already have a loyal customer base here in Gloucester, so we are delighted to open this new store."

The outlet, at the heart of Gloucester, offers the retailer 50% more space over two floors, where customers can find everyday value homeware essentials, as well as fashion favourites.

Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "It's an absolutely fantastic store with good displays and lots of product. It's a valuable addition to the city.

"I'm sure it's location in the centre, in Eastgate Street, will attract lots of other people to invest in that area of the city and hopefully we'll see that additional stimulus creating more jobs and more opportunities."

The store showcases Primark's latest contemporary shop design with 14 cash desks and 20 fitting rooms along with free Wi-Fi throughout.

Employees can also enjoy new 'back of house' spaces designed with modern features and comforts such as a 'Recharge Café', with a kitchen area and bright décor.

The new store also serves to consolidate the King's Walk shopping area after the gap left by BHS which closed five years ago.

Peter White, manager of King's Walk, said: "We're really excited about the new store. We're looking forward to what it will bring in terms of footfall and extra customers to King's Walk.

"It's been a very long project, but we are finally getting there with the opening."

Already he reports that other retailers are wanting to look round vacant units. Footfall at the centre is still 10-15% down on 2019 levels.

He added: "Primark offers cheap fashion that is presented really well. A lot of people wanted a bigger store and I think it fits well with Gloucester."

Jason Pullen, former managing director of Gloucester Quays, said: "It looks really fantastic and it's a great location - a good coup for the city!

"The queues outside are significant. The key is to maintain the momentum and get the city centre moving."

He added that Gloucester now needed an overall strategic plan, linking up the city's assets.

He said: "It's not about Gloucester competing with Gloucester, it's about Gloucester establishing its place in the region."

Only last week, Shoezone announced it was moving to Eastgate Street, following shoe retailer A G Meek's earlier announced relocation to the street. Gloucester City Council has also revealed its plans to move to Eastgate Street.

In July, Primark, which shuns online sales, announced that several new sales records were set in its UK stores following reopening on 12th April after lockdown.

Conor Walsh added: "We are excited for our customers to shop even more of the latest seasonal trends along with our Christmas Gift Shop and growing range of products made using sustainable, recycled and organic materials as part of the Primark Cares range - all at great value prices."

Punchline says: finally Primark fills a big gap in the shopping scene in Gloucester and provides a much needed anchor for the Eastgate area of the city. It is obviously good news that a major retailer decided to invest here at this time. The question now remains will they suck out the revenue from other stores or bring fresh income to the city?