Connswater is to close its doors in two weeks time on March 21, after having suffered a fall in business in recent years, with less than half the retail units still open.

The owners say that it has become “increasingly difficult” to operate the centre in a “viable way”, and so have appointed BDO NI as fixed charge receivers.

Michael Jennings and Brian Murphy of BDO NI will take control of certain assets of the company, and prepare Connswater for a sale.

Mr Jennings of BDO said: “Having assessed viability, we have, unfortunately, given notice to the remaining tenants of Connswater Shopping Centre, that the centre will close its doors in two weeks on 21st March.

“Over these next weeks, BDO will support the tenants through this transition while assessing potential future uses at Connswater and options to market the centre for sale.”

The closure and sale will not affect The Range store which is connected to the centre, nor the wider retail park and its tenants.

The retail park’s occupiers include Lidl, Tim Horton’s, KFC and Better Gym, all of which will continue trading as normal during the closure and sale of the shopping centre.

East Belfast MP and DUP party leader Gavin Robinson said: “The closure of Connswater Shopping Centre next Friday marks a sad day for east Belfast. It has been a part of our community for decades; this shocking loss will be deeply felt.

“My thoughts are especially with those affected by uncertainty and job losses during this difficult time.

“While the centre has been in visible decline for some time, it’s vital that the site remains of benefit to the people of the Newtownards Road and surrounding areas.

“My colleagues and I will engage with the owners on forward steps and we will be available to assist anyone impacted in any way we can.”

East Belfast UUP councillor Jim Rodgers, who was involved in the original opening of the centre in 1983, said he: “Knew things were in a bad state, and there had been rumours for some time that the whole centre was going to close down.

“But it’s a major blow, and most of us who were involved in its inception have been very badly hit.

“With so many shops being vacated, it was clearly going to close, but the owners were making no comment.

“I would like to know what the owners are going to put in its place.

“It was a very good centre, and it’s a bad blow for east Belfast. I’m disappointed that the owners didn’t think of consulting with political representatives.”

Connswater has been contacted for comment about what contact and consultation it had with political representatives prior to Friday’s announcement.

Mr Rodgers lobbied for the site to be occupied prior to it first opening, and says he has “watched it going downhill” since.

“My thoughts are with those who are going to find themselves unemployed,” he added.

“I think the owners should have the decency to come out publicly and give the reasons why they’re closing it down. What do they plan to put in its place?”

Speaking about the closure, a spokesperson for Connswater said: “The evolving retail landscape, the loss of anchor tenants and difficult market conditions have made it increasingly challenging to sustain operations in a viable way in Connswater Shopping Centre.

“So, very regretfully and after much consideration of different options, we have now appointed BDO as Fixed Charge Receivers for the centre.

“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal customers, tenants, and staff who have supported Connswater Shopping Centre throughout the years.

“Your patronage and dedication have been invaluable, and we are deeply appreciative of the community spirit that has been fostered here throughout our 20 years of ownership.

“We understand that this news will be disappointing to many, Connswater Shopping Centre has been more than just a shopping destination; it has been a part of the fabric of east Belfast. We deeply regret having to make this difficult decision.”

The centre has been part of east Belfast for decades both as a place for shopping and of work.

One former employee is Glyn Roberts, the chief Executive of Retail NI, who said he was sad to see Connswater close.

“This very sad decision was not unexpected given that the Connswater has lost so many traders in recent years. Our thoughts are with the staff at this difficult and uncertain time for them and their families,” he said.

“My first job was at Connswater and I have fond memories of working there as it was a part of the local community in east Belfast”

“I hope that the centre is not allowed to fall into dereliction and will be repurposed to support local regeneration and economic development.”

Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds added: “Connswater is located at the heart of east Belfast, and provides jobs and opportunities for local residents.

“This news will have been a blow to the tenants whose businesses are within the shopping centre, and the many local residents who rely on their services.

“Alliance has reached out to Connswater to see how the process is being handled, and to ensure that any future decisions minimise staff disruption.”

His party colleague Councillor Fiona McAteer added: “Connswater holds many cherished memories for the residents of east Belfast, and it’s unfortunate to see it closing, resulting in job losses for many people.

“I hope that in the future the shopping centre can be repurposed to create local jobs and opportunities, and become a hub where residents can shop and spend time together.”

SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite added: “The loss of Connswater will feel like a blow to many people across south & east Belfast, not just in economic terms but also as a loss of a somewhere which had been part of the fabric of the community.

“I have many childhood memories of going there on Saturdays with my grandmother and her sisters, spending pocket money in Woolworths or Bargain Books, and having lunch in Pickwicks.

“It’s clear that the current retail model wasn’t working and that this part of the city needs something more to help it truly thrive, but that won’t make it any easier for the staff who are losing their jobs and the people who regularly patronised these businesses.

“Lessons from the success of C.S. Lewis Square and EastSide also tell us that people value spaces which are welcoming, open and inclusive, with the potential for hosting events and creating opportunities to appreciate arts and culture.

“This is the end of one chapter for this part of east Belfast, but all of us should grasp the opportunity to write a new one.”

News Catch Up – Friday 7th March