SWEDISH fashion chain H&M is set to open a new store at Belfast city centre development ‘The Keep’.
The retailer, which already trades from large city centre units at Royal Avenue and Victoria Square, has signed up for a 20,000 sq ft feature store, according to the company behind the scheme.
Alterity Investments owns the Castle Lane development, which is based on the former British Home Stores (BHS) site.
Contractor Ganson is due to complete the construction phase of The Keep in early 2024.
It’s unclear what H&M plans are for its existing city centre stores.
Both are located less than 300 metres from the The Keep development.
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H&M, which is the world’s second largest international clothing retailer, has been contacted for comment.
The retailer also has stores in Derry, Ballymena, Newry, Craigavon and Belfast’s Forestside.
Alterity said the new H&M unit will span two floors, stocking a full line of clothing for men, women, teenagers and children.
Europe’s largest footwear retailer Deichmann has already been confirmed as one The Keep’s new tenants.
Its new 8,500 sq ft two storey store will be its first on the island of Ireland.
Alterity acquired the 70,000 sq ft former BHS building in early 2021.
It has been empty since the retailer collapsed in 2016.
The company’s commercial director, Richard Faloon said: “It is fantastic to be able to announce H&M as a core tenant at The Keep, as it is one of the best known and most popular high street fashion brands in the world.
“We want The Keep to become a hub for retail and leisure in the city centre and we believe our investment will also help revitalise the surrounding area and benefit our existing holdings in the Castle Lane and Cornmarket area.”
Frazer Kidd is commercial agent for the property, which comprises three upper floors and a ground floor that opens onto Castle Lane, Castle Arcade and Cornmarket.
Brian Kidd, from Frazer Kidd, said: “We have seen really strong interest from international occupiers in the retail and leisure sectors in this prime location between Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and city centre core, and we expect to confirm additional occupiers in the coming months.”
Alterity’s plans for The Keep include a significant reconfiguration of the ground floor space into a number of retail units and a partial change of use on upper floors to allow for leisure uses.
The company said the existing façade on Castle Lane, Castle Arcade and Cornmarket are being revamped “to make the building more attractive”.
