Major retailer pulls out of struggling Belfast shopping centre as staff fear for site's future

It has been suffering from the loss of tenants for many years – now Connswater Shopping Centre in east Belfast is losing Sports Direct.

In one of its biggest setbacks of late, the move is compounding staff fears about the future of the shopping destination.

• Major retailer pulls out of struggling Belfast shopping centre with staff fearing for future of site

A report on commercial property transactions in Northern Ireland has shown that retail asset deals led the way in 2023.

But elsewhere in the sector, a growing move away from office working and a “huge demand” for housing could be driving conversions of office buildings into residential units .

Certainly the directors at Ulster Property Sales have said they anticipate a strong residential property market this year.

The NI property agency has just launched its 13th branch in Donaghadee, Co Down, as this is an area where the group has seen "very strong growth".

“I’ve been going 30 years and I’ve never put anything in a slot machine, but I do like watching the people play poker.”

The only thing Nick Coburn is betting on is the flooring business, as he has spent decades bringing carpets from Portadown to Las Vegas after getting the family company off the ground in America.

The MD of Ulster Carpets speaks to Margaret Canning about providing carpets for casinos, hotels and cruise ships, and his royal appointment in Westminster Abbey for the coronation.

• From Portadown to Las Vegas: How family business Ulster Carpets got off the ground in America

Closer to home, Niall Davis speaks to Flávia Gouveia about overhauling his Mexican restaurant Cú and introducing a lower-price menu at the south Belfast spot.

"We are bringing it back to our original plan; low cost, fun, lively setting and food with a big Mexican influence," he says. "We’ve been open two years now and we’ve maybe lost it a wee bit."

And in west Belfast, it's a busy time for Oxford Instruments Andor . The scientific equipment manufacturer is planning a ￡15m expansion as profits and turnover go up.

Finally, in our opinion section, Paul Gosling looks at the challenges in the way of public sector reform .

"Deciding on the right policy is easier, for most governments, than achieving effective implementation. In the case of Northern Ireland, even agreeing basic policy is often impossible."

Our most-read business stories in the last week (ICYMI):

1. Hotel, new shops and restaurants on way for NI retail park as planning application submitted
2. Belfast shopping centre to bring in new parking fees
3. Liquidators appointed to McGuigan family gym and boxing promotion company
4. Popular NI Asian takeaway due in court accused of failing to tackle mouse problem
5. ‘Why I’m optimistic our Markethill-founded betting firm will crack the UK’

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