JD Sports and TK Maxx to open at Ards shopping centre

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Jul 6, 2016

Owner Belfast Property Offices has revealed that it is investing £7m in major reconfiguration works at its Ards shopping centre in Newtownards.

The money will be used to create a new 40,000 sqft. unit that will house three anchor retail units, and a new restaurant and cafe. The first of the three anchor retail units has been revealed to be TK Maxx, which will take a 23,000 sqft. space. B&M Bargains, which is led by retail veterans Simon Arora and Terry Leahy, will take the second anchor unit. They will open in September.

Sports retailer JD Sports is also opening its inaugural Newtownards store at Ards, which will measure 4,400 sqft. Group Acquisitions Manager at JD Sports, Warren Thompson, said: “The position of the Ards Shopping Centre as both a popular local and regional destination was very appealing to us.  This new unit will provide us with the space we need to showcase our wide range of leading brands and we look forward to being part of an exciting new expansion plan that will no doubt drive footfall to our store.”

Jeweller Warren James has also taken a 1,190 sqft. store at the centre.

Paul Devlin of Belfast Office Properties said: “The redevelopment and our significant investment is a direct response to the demand for Ards Shopping Centre from major UK brands. Ards continues to position itself as a leading retail destination in NI.”