More than 100 jobs created at Connswater during 2018
NEW openings at Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park in east Belfast created over 100 jobs in 2018, its owners have said.
Alfred Street Properties said footfall in the shopping complex jumped from 1.9 million to 2.4 million in the same period.
It attributed the increase to the arrival of retail brands Tim Hortons, Savers, Sports Direct, Brand Max, Pro Mobile and Sky Stand, which collectively employ 105 staff.
Laura McCarthy, property asset manager of Alfred Street Properties, said: “Despite a challenging retail environment, Connswater has continued to perform extremely well, with a range of new retailers all coming to (us) for the first time in the last year.
“As landlords we have continued to invest in the overall customer experience.
“The complex is now a thriving retail destination which continues to experience growing footfall from a wide demographic of shoppers.
“The success of (Connswater) has provided a fantastic boost for the local economy through significant job creation, and we know that more than 10 of the positions created are in management roles.
“We also attracted many firsts for Northern Ireland in Brand Max, The Range and the Tim Hortons’ drive-through.
“We have started 2019 in a positive position and we intend to continue to build on this momentum as we move forwards.”
Kurt Eastwood of agency CBRE, added: “Connswater is a great example of what can be achieved when retailers identify prime locations to market their offering.”