Retailer Primark will be joining Marks & Spencer to anchor the Whitefriars Shopping Centre in Canterbury, with the stores set to open in the summer of 2014.

The centre already has 66 stores in place and is also planning further additions including Fenwicks and the novelties and gifts retailer Tiger.

Senior Portfolio Manager for Henderson Shopping Centre Fund Jason Boyce said, “Attracting such strong brands with exceptional covenants is testimony to the strength of the retail market in Canterbury.

“From our perspective, the fundamental investment criteria in Canterbury are sound. Along with a tenant mix that continues to grow in strength, the City is underpinned by a solid tourism trade. With the news of other deals in the pipeline, we fully expect to increase volumes of visitors from within Whitefriars catchment in the New Year when the stores open.”