The owners of the Bow Street Mall, based in Lisburn, which has submitted a planning application for a major extension, have admitted they have targeted John Lewis among others to reside in a proposed additional 30 units at the shopping centre.

John Lewis has been seeking planning permission to locate at Sprucefield against the backdrop of vocal opposition from Belfast traders and Belfast City Council.

In what has become a drawn-out saga, a fresh planning application was submitted earlier this year for a new store on the outskirts of Lisburn.

Bow Street Mall joint owner, Michael Herbert, believes John Lewis could yet consider Lisburn city centre.

"While our target is the John Lewis Partnership because it has said it wants to come to Northern Ireland; we will also be targeting other major retailers at home and abroad and, indeed we have already spoken directly to one other UK retailer, as well as making contact with the John Lewis Partnership," he said.

"It has now announced its intention to open in Dublin and yet it says it still wants to come to Sprucefield.

"We believe that if the flexibility and willingness exists to open at least two stores on the island, then with support from everybody in Lisburn, the John Lewis Partnership can come the extra few miles into our city centre," he added.