The company said it will be moving into the former Wilko store on Westham Road.
The number of jobs that will be created has not yet been disclosed.
Wilko closed its doors for the final time in October 2023 after 24 years in the town, leaving many questioning what was next for the premises.
Weymouth has been dealt a number of blows to its high street in recent years with a number of businesses closing their doors – most recently being Cineworld which is shutting on December 30 – so the arrival of a big brand chain like Primark is being welcomed with open arms.
The company said it plans to open its doors at the site in early 2026, with works starting in the coming months.
At present its nearby stores are in Poole, Yeovil and Bournemouth.
Weymouth BID said it has been trying to encourage the company to open a site in Weymouth for a couple of years.
Some had hoped it would take over the large premises vacated by Debenhams in New Bond Street in 2021, but that became The Range.
Conor Walsh, Director of South West & North East at Primark: “We’re pleased to confirm we plan to open a new store in Weymouth located in Westham Road, taking over the former Wilko building.
Weymouth Wilko (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)
“Work will begin in store over the coming months, and we hope to open our doors in early 2026. We look forward to becoming a part of the local community.”
Dominique Manasseri, President of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce (WPCC) said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Primark to Weymouth, bringing a much-anticipated boost to our high street.
“The presence of big brands like Primark not only attracts more visitors but also creates a ripple effect, driving footfall to independent businesses and helping to strengthen the overall local economy.
“This investment reflects the growing confidence in our town’s potential and is a positive step for the entire community.”
Mayor of Weymouth Cllr Jon Orrell, said: “Primark is a major retailer, and having a store in Weymouth will not only create more jobs locally but provide a welcome boost to the town’s offer to shoppers.”
Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer at We Are Weymouth said: “We are thrilled that Primark is coming to Weymouth.
“We have been communicating with the head of property at Primark since January 2022 and encouraging the store to consider the town as a perfect fit based on our residential demographic and the easy commute for people living in Dorchester and Bridport.
“We suggested several buildings within the town and are thrilled that they have signed the lease on the old Wilko’s building as their chosen location: revitalising Westham Rd and utilising an empty fit-for-purpose building for another retail venture. With Primark coming to the town, we envisage other retailers will follow suit, much like happened in Truro, where Primark was the catalyst for investment and a footfall driver to the town.”
Alison Scrivin, owner of Thyme Out Café on the neighbouring Great George Street said: “It would be brilliant for us as it would bring business down this end of town. It will also bring a lot more people into the town in general, which is what it needs, especially with M&S moving out of the town centre, everything seems to be moving out of town.
“For people coming down from Dorchester, when they get off the train it will be one of the first shops that they will be able to see.”
Lindsay Walker owns Craftlines on Westham Road.
She explained that her store Is ‘a very busy shop’ as people will make the effort to visit.
However, the team and customers all expressed their ‘excitement’ at the news of the fashion chain heading to Weymouth.
Gilly a regular customer at Craftlines added: “Primark will definitely be a boost for the town, we do need more stores.”
Pete Chamberlain, owner of Quayside Leather, said: “I’m worried about what I sell and what they sell.
“But since Wilko left we have lost footfall so this will be a good thing.”