|
Kennedy Centre development is 80 per cent pre-let already
The ‘fully let’ signs could be posted at the Kennedy Centre complex in west Belfast – more than six months before its latest multi-million-pound extension is completed.
Letting agents say the complex – which is tripling in size from 96,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft – is already 80 per cent pre let.
‘’This is unheard of in a scheme of this scale but represents fabulous news for west Belfast,‘’ Ryan Kee, associate director in the retail division at BTWShiells, said.
Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is anchor tenant at the Kennedy Centre, following the completion in August of its takeover of Curley’s.
Since then the complex has seen the addition of a raft of retailers, with work ongoing at the new extension to the centre ahead of the arrival of more new names.
Among them are Funky Monkeys, a premium children’s indoor activity centre which combines play facilities with a healthy eating café.
Belfast-owned franchise The Streat, which offers healthy fresh food and coffee, is locating to the centre, as is branded clothing, footwear and fashion accessories chain DV8.
Also opening is Poundland, which has had a rapid expansion across the north in just two months since its arrival. That follows the opening of sportswear provider O’Neill’s.
Between them these retailers have added more than 150 staff to the centre payroll. It is understood a new operator has also been identified for the cinema complex at the Kennedy Centre and will be announced soon.
The new Jobs and Benefits Office for west Belfast will also be located adjacent to the Kennedy Centre, which is expected to drive footfall .
‘’This enhanced facility really is changing the face of west Belfast,’’ Mr Kee added.
‘’The centre’s owner Hugh Kennedy has been operating on the Falls Road for 40 years and shows no signs of losing his entrepreneurial flair.’’
According to a recent report by market intelligence specialists CACI, the new-look Kennedy Centre will rank as the north’s 20th most popular shopping destination, just behind Sprucefield near Lisburn and Forestside in south Belfast.
The report predicted a ‘’substantial uplift in trade’’ and suggests turnover at the centre will be boosted by 565 per cent to almost £70 million.
[posted: 4 December 2009]
|