‘We are now seeing the positive impact from our investment’: Northern Ireland shopping centre agrees deal with global sports-fashion retailer for major 12,300 sq ft store
JD Sports has exchanged contracts to relocate to a prominent new unit as the transformation of Ballymena’s Fairhill Shopping Centre gathers pace
Ballymena’s Fairhill Shopping Centre has announced a major new milestone in the transformation of the centre, with JD Sports set to relocate to a newly created 12,300 sq ft retail unit.
The sports-fashion retailer has exchanged contracts to move from its existing Fairhill store into the new space, which will occupy a prominent corner location within the shopping centre.
The relocation will give JD Sports a significantly larger and more modern trading environment, allowing it to showcase its extensive range of footwear, sportswear and fashion brands.
The new store is expected to create a major retail destination within Fairhill and further strengthen the centre's offering in the fashion, footwear and leisure sectors.
JD Sports is one of the UK's and Ireland's best-known sports-fashion retailers, with a portfolio featuring major global sports and lifestyle brands. The retailer combines sports performance with contemporary streetwear and fashion and has a broad customer base across a range of age groups.
A CGI of the proposed new store shows the scale and prominent position of the new 12,300 sq ft unit.
Ryan Walker from Magmel (Ballymena) Limited said: “We are very pleased to have secured JD Sports for this impressive new store at the heart of Fairhill.
"JD is an exceptional retailer and a fantastic fit for Fairhill, and their relocation to such a prominent corner position within the centre represents a significant step towards seeing the centre fully occupied with prime retailers.
"The new store will provide JD Sports with an excellent platform to showcase its leading range of sportswear, footwear and fashion brands, while creating an exciting new retail destination for our customers.
“We are now seeing the positive impact from our investment in the Centre and this announcement demonstrates the confidence that leading retailers have in Fairhill and Ballymena. We are creating a modern and vibrant retail destination which we believe will drive Ballymena back to the top of the list of must-visit retail destinations.”