Primark has signed a deal with the owners of Whitefriars Shopping Centre to open a store in Canterbury.

The retailer will launch a three-floor 40,300sqft shop next summer, moving into the BHS store due to close in January.

Whitefriars owners Henderson Global Investors also announced it had signed agreements with Danish retailer Tiger to open a 2,700sqft unit.

It will take over the former Esprit unit on the corner of Whitefriars Street and Whitefriars Passage sometime in the new year.

Senior portfolio manager Jason Boyce said: “Attracting such strong brands with exceptional covenants is testimony to the strength of the retail market in Canterbury.

“From our perspective, the fundamental investment criteria in Canterbury are sound.

“Along with a tenant mix that continues to grow in strength, the city is underpinned by a solid tourism trade.”