CONVENIENCE retailer Spar is to open a new store in the Titanic quarter, creating an additional 25 jobs.
The 7,000 sq ft outlet will launch next summer and will be twice the size of the existing convenience shop in the ARC Retail centre.
The new unit, on the ground floor of the ARC apartment block will feature an off sales and Post Office as well as a sit-in area.
Titanic Quarter commercial director James Eyre said it was just the latest expansion for retail in the area.
“This is the fourth time our convenience retailer has grown in size, capacity and offering since opening in 2013," he said.
"We are delighted to welcome the Spar brand to Titanic Quarter and are excited by Spar’s latest thinking in store design, fit out and product range.
“With 18,000 people working, studying, living and playing in Titanic Quarter daily, plus the draw of Titanic Belfast and the SSE Arena, the ARC Retail is a destination of choice. We hope to see further bars, restaurants and cafés opening here in the near future.”
Titanic Quarter continues to grow with works progressing well on the refurbishment of the Harland and Wolff HQ and Drawing Offices which will open in mid-2017 as the 120-bed ‘Titanic Hotel Belfast’ and visitor experience. Titanic Quarter has plans to facilitate further developments with a value of £365 million by 2021.
The new Spar store will be owned and operated by Andy Davis and Graham Johnston, who are the proprietors of the existing convenience store.
“Since opening in 2013 our business in Titanic quarter has continually grown and this is our fourth expansion in three years," said Mr Davis.
"We are investing a further £700,000 in our new Spar, doubling the workforce in Titanic Quarter to 50 employees.”
