M&S eye premises for local food hall

M&S eye premises for local food hall

29 March 2017

MARKS and Spencer could be the latest big name arrival in Downpatrick.

The Recorder understands the company is keen to open a new food hall in the town centre and that a number of potential development sites have been examined, including the former Danske Bank building.

While the world renowned company insists it does not comment on rumour or speculation, it is believed M&S is keen to open one of its highly acclaimed food halls in Downpatrick where a number of leading High Street names have invested recently.

They include Costa Coffee, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Specsavers and Dominos Pizza, all of which have created much-needed new jobs and provided the town with a welcome economic boost.

The nearest Marks and Spencer stores are located in Lisburn and at the Forestside complex in south Belfast.

Speculation surrounding the arrival of M&S comes after one of the Province’s leading commercial property developers said recently that Downpatrick offers renewed opportunities for private sector investment.

Downpatrick councillor, Dermot Curran, said recent investment by leading High Street retailers “provides hope for the future” and has no doubt many would be delighted if M&S opened a new food hall.

“Such an investment would significantly increase footfall, providing a boost for existing businesses and create more new jobs in the retail sector. An M&S investment would create a ripple effect and has the potential to pave the way for other big names to invest in what is a growing town.”

Councillor Curran believes one of the attractions for High Street retailers is the large number of people in the area who are employed in the public sector.

He continued: “Downpatrick suffered from a lack of private sector investment for many years but the tide has turned. More and more big names in the retail world are investing which illustrates their confidence in the town and its future growth.

“New homes are being built which will increase the amount of money being spent in the town centre which can only help attract more new investment which is particularly welcome.”

Councillor Curran believes if M&S opens a new food hall, the investment will encourage more High Street retailers to follow suit and utilise a number of empty business properties which are currently available in the heart of the town to help with its continuing economic regeneration.

A spokeswoman for Marks and Spencer confirmed to the Recorder that the company does not comment on rumour or speculation with regard to new stores.