CONSTRUCTION work is due to begin in the coming weeks on the £30 million redevelopment of Antrim shopping centre, The Junction.
The announcement from owners The Lotus Group was made after popular ladies fashion retailer Bonmarché became the latest tenant to move into the retail and leisure park, creating 10 jobs.
Bonmarché opened its doors to the public this week following a £100,000 investment and occupies a 2,500 sq ft unit opposite Marks & Spencer.
The new store opening is the first in a series of developments that are due to come on stream at the Antrim based centre this year after outline planning permission for a major £30million redevelopment was granted in December.
The redevelopment, which could create as many as 475 jobs, includes plans for new retail units, two new drive thru pods, cafes and restaurants, new road infrastructure and an extensive new landscaping plan. On completion it would make The Junction, Northern Ireland’s largest shopping and leisure destination.
The Lotus Group, which purchased The Junction in 2016, has confirmed work will begin on site within weeks on phase one of the scheme, which includes a new drive-thru coffee house and drive-thru fast food restaurant. It has previously been stated that 430 construction jobs could be created during the entire life of the scheme.
Lotus Group director, Alastair Coulson believes the £30m investment will "transform" the retail and leisure offering in Antrim.
"We are thrilled to welcome Bonmarché to The Junction. The arrival of this popular brand is the first of a number of developments that will be coming on stream over the coming months, as part of a significant £30m redevelopment of the scheme."
“Further lease renewals with retailers including Hallmark, Holland & Barrett and Card Factory demonstrate confidence in our masterplan for The Junction. In the coming weeks, construction work will begin as we embark on bringing the first phase of this major regeneration project to fruition. Our vision for The Junction is to create a vibrant retail and leisure destination, that will transform the retail and leisure offering in Antrim, bringing a range of new brands to the area for the first time," he said.
Established in 1982, Bonmarché is one of the UK’s largest ladies value retailers, with a network of over 300 stores across the UK. The new branch at The Junction will be the brand’s eleventh store in Northern Ireland.
Business development manager for Bonmarché at The Junction, James Price added:
"We are excited about launching our new store at The Junction and we have great success with similar retail schemes in the UK. The owners, Lotus Group have a great plan for the scheme and we see this as a fantastic opportunity to build our brand presence in Northern Ireland.”
