Today marks an end of an era in East Belfast as Connswater Shopping Centre closes its doors for the final time.
The shopping centre announced its closure earlier this month and while the news appeared to come from out of the blue, it did not surprise many as the centre had been in decline for a number of years.
Opening its doors in 1983, Connswater was based in the heart of East Belfast and a popular shopping destination for thousands of people over the years.
Read more: The slow decline of the once thriving Connswater Shopping Centre
Now there is hope that the site can be used to further transform the area, with there being proposals for it to be redeveloped and boost regeneration in the area through new housing or business opportunities.
Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise, said: "The sad closure of Connswater shopping centre is a devastating blow to East Belfast. For decades, Connswater has been more than just a shopping centre — it has been an institution, a vital hub for local businesses, and a key source of employment. Its loss leaves a significant gap in our community, both economically and socially.
"Micro and small businesses are the backbone of East Belfast’s economy, and they now face an urgent need for affordable workspace units, office and retail space, to continue operating.
“East Belfast Enterprise has responded to the news of Connswater’s closure by offering immediate practical business advice, mentoring, support and temporary accommodation.
“However what is needed is a long term solution, hence we call on the Northern Ireland Executive to act swiftly, to assist businesses, without any visible and viable options for continuing, and create an opportunity in the heart of East Belfast at Connswater for new businesses to start and grow, creating new employment and providing local services.
“There is an opportunity here to create a vibrant hub of local businesses, tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit that we see in East Belfast and that is evident in spaces like our own at City East. Like Portview, Banana Block and the new businesses that are making an impact locally such as Flout Pizza, Boundary and Bullhouse East breweries.
"The closure of Connswater highlights the lack of and need for prime, sustainable, and fit for purpose business premises in East Belfast, and I would appeal to policymakers to create a capital fund and prioritise the development of new, accessible workspaces that will allow entrepreneurs, independent retailers, and startups to thrive and contribute to the local economy.
"East Belfast has always been a resilient and enterprising community. With the right support, we can collectively turn this dire situation into an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen our business landscape.
“I would urge the government to step up and invest in the immediate and longer term, for the survival and future of local enterprise, and partner with charities like our own to develop new workspace units and make these available for local businesses now — before, for some, it’s too late.”
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