A major discount retailer has been announced as the new tenant of the former BHS and Primark site in Norwich city centre. 

It has been revealed to this newspaper that Poundland is moving into 23-29 St Stephens Street.

The opening date is yet to be announced but the news arrives as the company is closing its shop in Riverside.

British Home Stores (BHS) left the St Stephens site in August 2016 as the department store disappeared from the nation's high streets.

Primark then temporarily moved into 23-29 St Stephens Street from April 2018 until December 2019 while its Haymarket shop underwent a huge renovation.

Eastern Daily Press: Joe O’Keefe, a partner at Evolve Estates, who have bought a significant stretch of units on St Stephens Street Picture: Evolve EstatesJoe O’Keefe, a partner at Evolve Estates, who have bought a significant stretch of units on St Stephens Street Picture: Evolve Estates (Image: Evolve Estates)

The news of Poundland moving in comes just weeks after Evolve Estates, a Mayfair-based property company, said it had purchased 160,000sqft of retail and office space across St Stephens Street, Queens Road and Surrey Street.

READ MORE: Empty BHS Norwich site to be revived in St Stephens Street

The firm’s newly acquired units - which spans 9-73 St Stephens Street - include WH Smith, Sainsbury’s and Specsavers, as well as the former home of BHS and Primark.

A Poundland spokesman said: "We are relocating into a new store early in the new year that will be much larger. 

"The new store, in the former Primark building at 23-29 St Stephens Street, will be one of the largest Poundlands we have ever opened."

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There is no information at present about the future of the Poundland branch located across the road at 48-54 St Stephens Street.

Eastern Daily Press: The Poundland store is shutting at Riverside Retail Park in Norwich The Poundland store is shutting at Riverside Retail Park in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Closing down posters have recently appeared on the shop front of the Riverside Retail Park branch of Poundland, with the last day on Christmas Eve. 

Speaking about the future of jobs, the Poundland spokesperson added: "While our lease has sadly expired on the Riverside store, the fact we are planning to open a new, much larger store in early 2024 in St Stephens Street will provide opportunities for them."

The other branches of Poundland in Norwich are in Castle Quarter and Anglia Square, the latter of which could be impacted by the major rebuild of the area which is due to start early next year.