Exciting new market development for city centre

An exciting new outdoor market development is due to open in Lisburn city centre later this year.
The disused site off Haslem's Lane that is to be transformed by the creation of the Penny Square Market.The disused site off Haslem's Lane that is to be transformed by the creation of the Penny Square Market.
The disused site off Haslem's Lane that is to be transformed by the creation of the Penny Square Market.

Penny Square Market, which the company behind the ambitious venture has described as “Northern Ireland’s first permanent market area”, will transform a disused site off Haslem’s Lane, close to Bow Street and Lisburn Square.

Work on the project is ongoing, but once complete the market will boast five long-lease stalls, space for up to 10 pop-up stalls and a covered seating area.

Marketing Manager at Toland House Properties, Sarah Munn, says Penny Square Market will be “an exciting new addition to an already flourishing Lisburn”, helping to further increase footfall in the city centre.

“We believe the time is right following the reinvigoration of Lisburn Square,” she told the Star. “With new restaurants and businesses opening in Lisburn, it’s great to see so much confidence in the city centre again.

“We have been finalising plans for a while and now is the right time to go ahead and redevelop the area.”

Sarah said Toland House Properties is delighted to be working in cooperation with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on the Penny Square project.

“Most people will remember the square as a garden centre, but with the redevelopment we have created space for a permanent marketplace. Alongside the stalls, there will be a covered outdoor seating area, live music and a variety of food and unique products on offer.

“Stall holders can choose one of our Penny Pods or book a space in our Penny Pop Up area and bring their own stall.

“A key feature will be our Demo Pod, which will host chef displays, bake-offs, novelty displays and educational shows.

“We are now accepting applications for the stalls for the Christmas Market as well as 2017 onwards.”

It’s understood that discussions are still ongoing regarding an official opening date - possibly late November - and to finalise details regarding days and times the market will be open in the run up to Christmas and beyond.

Welcoming the market development, Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson commented: “The recession has been tough for many local businesses and a lot of shops have closed, so anything that generates footfall in the city centre is a good thing in my opinion.

“The concept of a market is that it attracts people to the city centre - people who normally wouldn’t shop there - so I don’t see it as being a threat to existing businesses but something that could help increase footfall and benefit the whole city centre. I definitely think it’s something worth trying to see how it goes.”

Further information about Penny Square Market is available by calling Sarah on 028 9262 8354, emailing [email protected] or by logging on to www.facebook.com/PennySquareLisburn