IN a timely boost for the retail sector in the north the Westwood Retail Park in west Belfast is now fully let.
Based on Kennedy way in the city, the redeveloped site has attracted a host of well-known brands including Asda, B&M, Harry Corry, Ulster Bank, Air-tastic, and Jollye’s, ensuring it is now at maximum capacity.
Totalling nearly 100,000 square feet, the centre was developed by local developer John Corp Ltd and let by commercial property consultants CBRE and Wilkinson Williams.
The redevelopment of the centre sees Asda and B&M retained as key tenants with both increasing the size of their units while the other retailers are new to the line up.
B&M opened as part of Phase 1 of the project one year ago and the other retail names have been added since then, with Air-tastic and Asda currently subject to planning applications.
Senior director of retail agency at CBRE, Colin Mathewson said the development was a great success story, not just for Northern Ireland’s retail sector but for west Belfast
"That such prominent names are now in the centre bears witness to the potential they envisage for the area and we expect the momentum to continue. The broad range of proposed uses is particularly pleasing and will ensure a vibrant centre for everyone.”
Kevin McKay from John Corp Ltd added:
“We took a strategic decision a couple of years ago to totally transform this centre by demolishing the original shopping mall and replacing it with large retail warehouse units. Our confidence in the new retail format prompted us to start the scheme on a speculative basis and that decision has been fully vindicated with the scheme now fully let.”
Meanwhile a £20 million investment at The Quays Shopping Centre in Newry has now been completed, with some of the UK’s most prominent retailers having already opened or currently fitting out.
Phase five at The Quays comprises an additional 100,000 sq ft of retail space, and Marks & Spencer and PureGym are the first retailers to commit their future to the shopping centre.
PureGym opened at the end of 2017 and Marks & Spencer are currently in fit-out, with a grand opening on February 1.
The completion of phase five at The Quays follows the recent announcement that international retailers Smiggle, Søstrene Grene and The Body Shop have joined an expansive line up of new tenants expected to open at the shopping centre in the coming weeks and months.
Mr Mathewson added: “Newry’s position as the premier retail destination in Northern Ireland outside of Belfast is currently unrivalled, and more high-profile retail brands are set to arrive at the shopping centre throughout 2018.”
