DESIGNER retail village The Linen Green near Dungannon has completed a £2 million investment which has led to an influx of new tenants and an uplift in visitor numbers.
Five new retailers have located there in the last 12 months, including Synge & Byrne, Drumbriston Furniture and VR Cookware & Gifts.
And existing businesses continue to thrive, with some current tenants securing additional space including Lavish Preferences, which is quadrupling in size and opening a new mega gift store.
Linen Green - historically important in the Mid-Ulster area as a former centre for the linen industry - was acquired two years ago by the Neptune Group, whose stated aim was to re-establish it as one of the most attractive retail destinations in Northern Ireland.
Since then £2 million has been ploughed into the complex, which extends to more than 110,000 square feet and free parking for more than 650 vehicles. It is also home to more than 300 staff.
Centre manager Fionnuala McEldowney says: “The Linen Green has reaffirmed its position as a leading shopping destination on the island of Ireland with a strong and strengthening retail offer located within a site that has a strong history and heritage which appeals to local, regional and international visitors.
"We want to capitalise on these strengths further as we continue our growth."
Linen Green boasts 31 independent fashion, food and design stores, three restaurants, contemporary office space, a dental surgery, physiotherapist, opticians, beauty and hairdressing services.
Offering products not available on the high street, its niche retail brands include The Boudoir Boutique, Panache Shoe Company, Bedeck, Newbridge Silverware, Foxford and The Lingerie Room.
Several established stores such as Storey Womenswear have been trading at the site for almost 20 years.
The Linen Green is made up of eight buildings, all which reference their historic past, including The Workshop, Cloth Loft, Weaving Sheds, Framehouse, Warehouse, Dyehouse and Bleaching Sheds.
The Linen Green is historically important within the Mid-Ulster area as a former centre for the linen industry and its owners are currently making plans to open a brand new and enhanced exhibition space to celebrate the area’s industrial past and boosting its attractiveness as a tourism destination.
