PLANS for a giant Primark store in Southend High Street are finally taking shape.

Primark, which has a premises in the Royals Shopping Centre, is taking over the old BHS store in a major boost for the High Street.

Work has now started on the key location after Southend Council gave the plan its full backing.

Shoppers spoke of their delight about the proposals moving forward.

Beryl Cox, 33, of Sutton Road, Southend said: “I think this is great news.

“I am so pleased to hear the council is supporting the plans.

“It is particularly good news to see that another empty shop in the high street being put back into use.

“It is always a shame to see large empty stores in the high street.

“The current store in the Royals is too small so it this should mean we have more variety as customers.”

The BHS store closed in the summer of 2016 and offers floorspace similar in size to a football pitch.

Barry Evans, 50, of Queen’s Road, Southend, is also keen.

He said: “I think this will help to regenerate the bottom half of the high street.

“This is a really good thing as it is very much needed in that area of the town.

“I think it will be so popular and is a good location for it.”

The current store, in the Royals Shopping Centre, will close once the new store is completed.

The popular retailer guaranteed the current jobs but has not yet confirmed how many new position s will be created.

On the flipside, it’s a big blow for the Royals and bosses have so far declined to comment.

Primark and the Royals were both contacted for comment.