JD Sports has opened the doors on its latest store at Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor, adding to a number of new additions to the scheme in recent months.

Leading commercial property agents Lisney and Savills acted for centre owners Ellandi, the UK’s leading specialist shopping centre investor, in the deal.

The sports retailer has taken a prime 3,600 sq ft unit at the entrance to the main mall adjacent to the newly-opened Superdrug.

JD Sports’ arrival helps grow the impressive portfolio of retailers at Bloomfield, acquired by Ellandi in early 2016, which includes M&S, Tesco, Next, H&M, Mothercare and River Island.

Left To Right: Jamie Bill, Centre Manager at Bloomfields, Darren Best, Savills and Andrew Know, Lisney

Andrew Knox, Surveyor at Lisney Belfast, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome JD Sports to Bloomfield Shopping Centre and are sure they will trade extremely well in one of Northern Ireland’s most successful shopping centres.

“This deal adds to a number of recent lettings that Lisney has secured, including Next, Superdrug, Specsavers, Holland & Barratt and The Works, further enhancing the tenant portfolio at the centre.”

Bloomfield Shopping Centre and Retail Park is a 420,000 sq ft scheme on the A2 South Circular Road on the outskirts of Bangor.

In addition to the shopping centre, the retail park is home to Laura Ashley, DW Sports, Harry Corry, Pets at Home and McDonald’s. The scheme is the prime retailing location for Bangor and the wider catchment area of North Down and Ards.

Darren Best, Associate Director at Savills, said:

“The centre is trading extremely well, with retailers reporting strong levels of business and new retailer interest has encouraged the landlord to invest in redeveloping to meet such requirements.

“In addition to our recent lettings, we have had a number of retailers extend their commitment to the scheme with the likes of Goldsmiths, Vodafone, Vision Express and Accessorise all showing a vote of confidence in Bloomfield with lease renewals.”

Richard Hutchinson, Asset Manager at Ellandi, said:

“We are making significant progress in our commitment to invest in Bloomfield Shopping Centre and cement its position in the Northern Irish retail hierarchy.

“The JD Sports deal is an important letting which continues the recent momentum of deals. We are looking forward to announcing additional lettings soon, with our agents engaged in advanced negotiations with other exciting retailers.”