Major investment for Lisburn city centre

More than 100 jobs has been created with an investment of £500,000 from firms including a clothes boutique, coffee shops, restaurants and grooming outlet that are setting up shop or investing in Lisburn Square.

The businesses include Alfredo’s Restaurant, Bob and Berts, Chouchou Cafe, Little French Barn, The Man Shack, Rose and Poetry Boutique, Sweet Street, The Pizza Base, Bar 15 and Shane Bennett Hairdressing that have come to the city, creating more than 100 jobs in the process.

It comes after the unveiling of the new public realm space within the Market Square area last November, as well as an active drive to attract new business.

Mr Donaldson said, “The fact that we have a number of existing businesses expanding and a number of new businesses coming to Lisburn city centre, its another positive sign that we are turning the corner with signs of recovery within the retail sector.

“We recognise there are some ways to go to generate the city centre but the fact that local businesses and people are prepared to invest inexpanding new businesses is positive news for Lisburn

“We are also in discussions with other businesses who are expanding further particularly in Lisburn Square. There will be news about this in the near future.”

Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Economic Development Committee, said the development forms part of a long term vision.

“We strongly believe the extensive enhancement of the area has allowed us to present a compelling proposition for future investment,” he said.

“The fact that in the last month alone, over ten businesses have set up in the city centre and with others still in the early stages of planning, shows that Lisburn is being seen for its potential.

“We pride ourselves on the programmes put in place to help support small business owners and will continue to offer a variety of solutions to new and existing businesses.

“As with the new business generation, current businesses are also being encouraged to reinvest in their offering and futureproof their business.”

Nicky McCollum, Development Director with Lisburn Square Ltd, said there has been a noticeable increase in footfall at the retail site.

He continued: “Lisburn Square is establishing a core of very popular brands among our tenants. We are delighted CBRE has been able to deliver this letting for the scheme.”