Business

Apple the latest major retailer linked to potential exit from Victoria Square

Apple's store in Victoria Square (top), which has been the tech giant's only retail store on the island of Ireland since September 2008. And its new Battersea Power Station (below), which features its new modular design spec.
Apple's store in Victoria Square (top), which has been the tech giant's only retail store on the island of Ireland since September 2008. And its new Battersea Power Station (below), which features its new modular design spec. Apple's store in Victoria Square (top), which has been the tech giant's only retail store on the island of Ireland since September 2008. And its new Battersea Power Station (below), which features its new modular design spec.
By Ryan McAleer

APPLE’S only store on the island of lreland could be set to move to a larger premises in Belfast city centre, The Irish News understands.

The tech giant’s sole high street outlet on the island has been trading in the Victoria Square shopping complex since 2008.

It’s understood Apple has completed its 15 year lease on the upper ground floor unit, which is split over two levels.

And according to sources in Belfast’s commercial market sector, the iPhone maker is expected to become the next major tenant to sign up for ‘The Keep’ development at the former BHS site, which runs from Castle Lane to Cornmarket.

It follows a report by Bloomberg over the summer disclosing Apple’s plans to open a number of new and remodelled stores across the UK by 2025.

That report suggested Belfast is among the UK stores on the shortlist for an upgrade.

Read more:

  • Trading places - two key tenants vacate Victoria Square
  • H&M confirmed as new tenant at Belfast city centre development The Keep
  • River Island to bring new fashion concept store ‘River Studios' to Belfast

Property insiders have suggested Apple could be lured by the prospect of designing its own bespoke store in Belfast’s newest retail development.

Apple has started rolling out a new modular design in select locations, including at London’s Battersea Power Station.

It would make Apple the third major retailer to vacate Victoria Square after it emerged fashion chains H&M and River Island are on the way out of the complex.

River Island is opening a new concept store in Disney’s former Donegall Place unit, while Alterity Investments, which owns ‘The Keep’, has already confirmed H&M will occupy a new 20,000 sq ft unit when it opens next year.

It’s expected to result in the fashion retailer consolidating its two Belfast city centre stores into a single site.

Artist's impression of 'The Keep' development on Belfast's Castle Lane, which is due to be completed next year.
Artist's impression of 'The Keep' development on Belfast's Castle Lane, which is due to be completed next year. Artist's impression of 'The Keep' development on Belfast's Castle Lane, which is due to be completed next year.

That would mean H&M also vacating its large corner unit on Royal Avenue at some point.

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 declined to comment on the speculation linking Apple to its new development.

Apple has been contacted for comment.