Primark coming to The Hague’s Kalvermarkt

The Irish clothing retailer Primark is planning to open a flagship store in a new building complex at the corner of the Kalvermarkt and the Spui.

Artist's impression of new complex on Kalvermarkt

The company signed a rental agreement for an 8,000 square metre shop in the building which will be constructed across from The Hague’s City Hall. Primark will take over the ground floor, first floor and second floor of the building. In addition to the retail store, the building will feature 80 apartments and underground parking for residents.

Construction on the new building will begin most likely in October 2012 and should be completed by 2014.

Hip clothing, low prices

The clothing retailer now has 220 stores, mainly in Ireland and England. The Netherlands already has two Primark shops in Hoofddorp and Rotterdam, which are both hugely popular among young people because of the hip clothing for low prices.

The old and dilapidated building belonging to the Ministry of Defence has long been an eyesore for the Municipality of The Hague and will be demolished. The municipality has tried for years to find a new purpose for the location and hoped that the Dutch government would choose it for the new National History Museum, which ultimately went to Arnhem.