PRIMARK could be coming to Colchester sooner than planned.

The clothing chain confirmed in June it was due to open its first store in Colchester during Christmas 2016.

It will open in the BHS store in Lion Walk.

The BHS store was due to close in January 2015 and remain empty for almost a year.

However the Gazette understands plans have moved forward.

The Gazette approached Primark for an exact date but they declined to provide one.

The spokesman did confirm the store would now be opening at some point in 2016 giving hope to shoppers it could be sooner than Christmas.