BARGAIN clothing and homeware store Primark is coming to Basingstoke.

The retail chain has agreed a deal to move into the former Allders unit in The Malls, and is expected to open its doors in the late spring.

Contracts were exchanged with the shopping centre's joint owners, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Key Property Investments Ltd, earlier this month after weeks of negotiations.

The new store will form a key part of borough council bosses' drive to regenerate The Malls.

Council leader Councillor John Leek said: "This is fantastic news for Basingstoke. As the anchor store in The Malls it was vital that it was let to a retailer that would be a real attraction to draw shoppers to the town.

"Primark has been a store that we were targeting as it constantly comes up as the top-choice retailer that residents want to see here.

"Signing the deal with Primark will draw in significant inward investment vital to the future success not just of The Malls, but of the town centre as a whole.

"This will be a springboard for further lettings and it gives us the catalyst to work with partners to look at how we can regenerate The Malls, making it more vibrant and attractive and providing better links with areas such as the railway station and The Anvil.

"This is an example of our determination to move forward with pace and vision to ensure the prosperity of the borough.

"Further proposals for town centre improvements will be included in our Central Area Vision, to be published later this year."

Paul Arnold, senior development manager at St Modwen Properties Plc - part of Key Property Investments - said: "We are delighted to welcome Primark to The Malls and are confident that its arrival will help to bring a deserved boost to the town.

"We look forward to more success at The Malls in partnership with the council."

Basingstoke's Primark fans currently have to travel to stores in either Reading, Southampton or Camberley to shop.