An extensive £30million redevelopment plan for a popular Antrim retail and leisure destination has been revealed.
Phase two of The Junction masterplan was unveiled this week, revealing significant new road infrastructure, with a tree-lined entrance to improve access in and out of the scheme, and the creation of a public square with all-weather urban furniture.
Since 2018, several new retailers have already been attracted to the scheme including Beauty Outlet, Intersport and The Entertainer.
The food and beverage offering has also been greatly enhanced since Lotus Property took over the scheme, with the opening of a Starbucks Drive-Thru expected later next month, followed by the arrival of two global restaurant chains Nando’s and TGI Fridays in early 2020.
The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2021.
Phase one completion of the masterplan also coincides with the recent appointment of a new centre director for the scheme, Chris Flynn.
With more than 18 years’ experience working in the retail industry, including three years as the general manager of Debenhams in CastleCourt, Chris will play an instrumental role in overseeing the next phase of redevelopment at The Junction.
Alastair Coulson, managing director of Lotus Property, said: “Our vision is to make The Junction the largest shopping and leisure destination in Northern Ireland and achieving this milestone means we’re one step closer to having this vision realised.
"We’re on track with plans to complete the whole scheme by 2021 and the arrival of global hero brands like Nando’s and TGI Fridays is a testament to how far we’ve come on this journey."
Chris Flynn said: “Change is in the air at The Junction and this is only the beginning of its transformation. With new retail and leisure tenants in the pipeline, this is an exciting time to be joining the team.
“The retail environment has been challenging over the last number of years and what consumers want has changed.
"The Junction is evolving to meet those demands and we believe our offering can be among the best on the island of Ireland – perfectly situated to attract locals from the Antrim, Mid Ulster and Greater Belfast area as well as a perfect pit stop for those coming from further afield on their way to or back from our world famous north coast.”
The Junction currently houses more than 30 stores, a range of food and beverage venues and a 10-screen Omniplex cinema. On completion of the masterplan, the scheme will comprise of four distinct quarters; food and film, home retail, supermarket and shopping, and leisure.
Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.
Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.
Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .
