THE closure of an east Belfast shopping centre has been branded “a major blow” to the local community.
Connswater shopping centre in Northern Ireland‘s capital city is set to shut down on March 21 in a controversial move.
The closure has been called a ‘major loss’[/caption]
The retail spot will close down on March 21[/caption]
It comes after the spot has suffered a dip in business in recent years, with less than half the centre’s retailers still open.
Owners claim that running the place has become “increasingly difficult”.
And they have appointed BDO NI, an accounting group, to take control of certain assets and prepare the centre for sale.
The company’s Michael Jennings and Brian Murphy are set to oversee the project.
Jennings said: “Having assessed viability, we have, unfortunately, given notice to the remaining tenants of Connswater Shopping Centre, that the centre will close its doors in two weeks on 21st March.”
He added that BDO NI will support tenants through the transition and “assess” future potential.
The shut down will not affect the Range shop attached to it or the surrounding retail park and tenants.
Other shops in the retail park include Lidl, Tim Horton’s, KFC, and Better Gym.
East Belfast MP and DUP party leader Gavin Robinson said: “The closure of Connswater Shopping Centre next Friday marks a sad day for east Belfast.
“It has been a part of our community for decades; this shocking loss will be deeply felt.
“My thoughts are especially with those affected by uncertainty and job losses during this difficult time.”
East Belfast UUP councillor Jim Rodgers, who was involved in the centre’s opening in 1983, said: “Knew things were in a bad state, and there had been rumours for some time that the whole centre was going to close down.
“But it’s a major blow, and most of us who were involved in its inception have been very badly hit.”
And a spokesperson for Connswater said: “The evolving retail landscape, the loss of anchor tenants and difficult market conditions have made it increasingly challenging to sustain operations in a viable way in Connswater Shopping Centre.
“So, very regretfully and after much consideration of different options, we have now appointed BDO as Fixed Charge Receivers for the centre.”
They thanked their tenants, staff, and customers, and said they “deeply regret” the “difficult decision”.
The Connswater shopping centre closure has been branded a ‘shocking loss’[/caption]
