MORE than 100 jobs were created at Connswater Shopping Centre last year on the back of a footfall upturn of over a quarter.
New figures from owners, Alfred Street Properties, show that 105 jobs were created at the Belfast complex in 2018, a direct of result of a number of additional retailers setting up shop.
These include Canadian coffee giant, Tim Hortons, Sports Direct, Savers, Brand Max and Pro Mobile.
Footfall also grew significantly at the centre and retail park last year, with almost 2.5 million people (2,412,717) through the doors, a 26 per cent increase on the 2017 figure (1,910,862).
Total retail area take up is 31,453 sq ft, of which 28,355 sq ft is in the shopping centre.
Alfred Street Properties asset manager, Laura McCarthy believes Connswater is now a "thriving" retail destination.
“Despite a challenging retail environment Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park has continued to perform extremely well, with a range of new retailers all coming to the scheme for the first time in the last year," she said
“The success of the scheme has provided a fantastic boost for the local economy through significant job creation and we know that more than ten of the positions created are in management roles. We also attracted many firsts for Northern Ireland in Brand Max, The Range and the Tim Hortons’ drive thru. We have started 2019 in a positive position and we intend to continue to build on this momentum as we move forwards."
Kurt Eastwood, surveyor at CBRE said they expect another "exciting" year at Connswater in 2019
“Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park is a great example of what can be achieved when retailers identify and utilise prime location to market their offering," he added.
