Scottish global design practice 3DReid has designed the flagship store on Scotland’s famous shopping street, which have been influenced by comments and feedback gathered during a 12-week public consultation process. The new 75,000 square feet outlet on the site of the former Marks & Spencer building will be Primark’s 18th store in Scotland.
3DReid has made the ‘string of pearls’ concept for Princes Street store, a reality. The concept divides the historic street into blocks. Each block is designed to reflect a distinctive mix of retail, leisure and cultural activities that will help to strengthen the unique character and identity of each block. It also helps in reviving Princes Street as a prime shopping destination.
3DReid has incorporated views and feedback from heritage bodies, local businesses and members of the public during the extensive consultation exercise. New shop fronts to both Princes Street and Rose Street will help to promote footfall between the two.
The new Primark store spanning 75,000 square feet building has been designed to respect the scale and character of a valuable World Heritage Site and the Edinburgh New Town Conservation Area. A more coherent structure has helped in restoring the historic footprint of the site.
The public will have access to the upper levels of the building for the first time, enabling them to have spectacular and iconic views across Waverley Valley to Edinburgh Castle. After getting approval from the council’s planning committee, Primark is expecting to open the store by late 2011.
