Connswater Shopping Centre to close in two weeks

Connswater Shopping Centre in east Belfast is to close in two weeks, having been placed into receivership.

The centre is now under the control of insolvency practitioners who will try to sell it.

The receivers said "having assessed viability" they have "unfortunately given notice to the remaining tenants" that the centre will close its doors on 21 March.

The 162,000 sq ft centre with 52 units has only 20 commercial tenants remaining.

The retail park and The Range and Lidl units are to remain open and fully operational.

"Over these next weeks, [we] will support the tenants through this transition while assessing potential future uses at Connswater and options to market the centre for sale," Michael Jennings of BDO NI said.

A spokeswoman for the centre said that "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".

"So, very regretfully and after much consideration of different options, we have now appointed BDO as Fixed Charge Receivers for the centre," she added.

She expressed "deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, tenants, and staff who have supported Connswater Shopping Centre throughout the years".

"We understand that this news will be disappointing to many, Connswater Shopping Centre has been more than just a shopping destination; it has been a part of the fabric of east Belfast.

"We deeply regret having to make this difficult decision."

BBC News NI gauged the opinions of people in east Belfast on Friday following the announcement.

Winston and Mary Grayson are worried as they attend the centre regularly.

"It's really good, it would be a big miss," Winston told BBC News NI.

Mary Grayson said they would now need to go further afield to purchase items such as toiletries.

Bill Scott said Connswater had been "run down for years".

"You go up to Forestside or Abbeycentre, I mean it is totally different," he added.

"It is not surprising that it is closing down."

Elizabeth Scott said she thought it was "good" the centre was closing, as the shops are "too expensive".

"There's not much in there really, compared to other shopping centres you go to," she said.

By John Campbell, BBC News NI business and economics editor

Every so often commercial property agents will declare that the retail market has finally hit the bottom.

And yet, as Connswater demonstrates, the market continues to defy those pronouncements.

Some types of retail are performing well, notably retail parks with fresh, modern shop units.

But some older shopping malls continue to struggle and may not be viable in the longer term.

Democratic Unionist Party leader and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said it was a "sad day" and his thoughts "are with the staff facing unemployment".

"My thoughts are especially with those affected by uncertainty and job losses during this difficult time," he said.

"While the centre has been in visible decline for some time, it's vital that the site remains of benefit to the people of the Newtownards Road and surrounding areas."

Robinson said he will "engage with the owners on forward steps" and, alongside his party colleagues, will be "available to assist anyone impacted in any way we can".

"Overall it's a negative story, a difficult story," he added.

Speaking to BBC News NI on Friday afternoon, he said it was a "huge shock" for those who had known, supported and had nostalgia for decades in east Belfast.

"We can not get away from the fact this is a body blow for retail."

Alliance assembly member Peter McReynolds and councillor Fiona McAteer also voiced their concerns.

"Connswater is located at the heart of east Belfast, and provides jobs and opportunities for local residents," Mr McReynolds said.

"This news will have been a blow to the tenants whose businesses are within the shopping centre, and the many local residents who rely on their services."

Ms McAteer said the centre "holds many cherished memories for the residents of east Belfast, and it's unfortunate to see it closing, resulting in job losses for many people".

SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said that the closure of the shopping centre "is a serious blow to the area".

He said the current retail model was not working and "this part of the city needs something more to help it truly thrive".

However he added that "won't make it any easier for the staff who are losing their jobs" and those who shopped there regularly.

Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts described the announcement as a "very sad decision" but added that it "was not unexpected" as the shopping centre "has lost so many traders in recent years".

"Our thoughts are with the staff at this difficult and uncertain time for them and their families," he added.

He said his first job was at Connswater and he has fond memories of working there as it was a "part of the local community in east Belfast".

"I hope that the centre is not allowed to fall into dereliction and will be repurposed to support local regeneration and economic development."