Sale of shopping centre to create new jobs

IT IS hoped that the sale of Shankill Shopping Centre to a private investor will lead to the creation of 120 jobs.

Xavier McCaffrey, commercial property advisers and chartered surveyors, confirmed the sale of the shopping centre for a price in the region of

?¬6 million.

The purchaser acquired the majority of the shopping centre, which includes six retail units and an anchor supermarket unit comprising 1,400 sqm.

According to a spokesperson, the investor plans to upgrade and modernise the entire centre in the coming year to make it suitable for a high quality supermarket and ancillary retail units.

The sale of the shopping centre has also been described as a welcome boost to the local economy.

Damien McCaffrey, Director of Xavier McCaffrey, said:

“The new owners intend to refurbish and renew the property to deliver a vibrant and successful village shopping centre which will serve the needs of the residents of Shankill and the surrounding areas and provide a welcome boost to employment with the potential creation of 120 jobs.

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He added:

“Shankill Shopping Centre is a superb property in the heart of this well established Southside community and we were delighted with the huge level of commercial interest shown during the recent sale, from both owner occupiers and domestic and international investors alike.

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The long established landmark development totals approximately 1,950 sqm on 2.5 acres and its existing retailers include a pharmacy, a hair and beauty salon and takeaway. The site also features 150 car parking spaces at surface level.

There are a number of vacant units available for lease ranging in size from 52.5 sqm to 98 sqm. The units are all regular in shape and benefit from the previous tenants’ fit out, including shop fronts, lighting and flooring.