Plans to split former Mothercare unit to attract new stores to Sprucefield shopping centre
Designs to develop Sprucefield shopping centre are due to be displayed to the public.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council elected members agreed to the pre-application notice being submitted for the major development.
The application by ‘Marks &Spencer Scottish Ltd Partnership’ will seek new occupiers for the former Mothercare units at the site.
Outside chambers, Councillor Jonathan Craig said: “Marks and Spencer at Sprucefield has been an incredible success story as one of the best Marks and Spencer stores in the whole of the UK.
“It is a high quality company and it is good to see that they are looking to broaden sales in regards to the new units.
“As a local elected representative I would welcome the fact that Marks and Spencer are continuing to invest in one of their most successful shopping centre sites in the country.”
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a M&S spokesperson said: “Our proposals to split the former Mothercare space into two smaller units should attract a wider range of potential occupiers, increasing choice for customers, supporting existing retailers and reinforcing the centre’s position as a leading shopping destination.”
The former Mothercare store closed in early 2020 during a nationwide shut down after the UK division fell into administration with M&S taking control of the shop unit at Sprucefield.
A public consultation on the new M&S plans will see a drop-in day at the Sprucefield site on Tuesday June 16 from 3pm-7pm.
A full planning application for the Sprucefield development could be made from July 27.