Westfield plan to double the size of CastleCourt Centre

Australian shopping centre barons Westfield have submitted a planning application to more than double the size of CastleCourt shopping centre in Belfast.

Westfield, who jointly own the shopping centre alongside MEPC, submitted the development plans which they hope will increase the value of the area and create more than 3,500 jobs with an additional 1,250 jobs during the construction phase.

The plan involves the proposal for a two level extensions of the existing shopping centre and will expanding north and west of the existing building via Chapel Lane and the old Smithfield Market, which is owned by the Belfast City Council.

The extension scheme also incorporates two parallel arcade, a new flagship department store at the junction of Millfield and North Street, which the developers hope will create a major gateway to the city.

Inside the new development, the expansion caters for more shops and restaurants, a supermarket, an 800-seat ‘foodcourt,’ a health and fitness centre and an additional 1,400 parking spaces.

Westfield Europe Managing Director Peter Allen said: “The plans were well received at a recent preview presentation given to the Castle Court retailers. Discussions have also been ongoing with the Smithfield Market Traders following a separate presentation given to them during November. We will be working hard to ensure a satisfactory solution is achieved for all those affected by our proposal.

“This application is very positive for the City, reflecting retailers demand for more accommodation in CastleCourt and our enthusiasm for the future of Belfast. We hope the public will support our plans as the development will bring both regeneration and employment to Belfast, encouraging further investment around North Street and Chapel Lane.”

CastleCourt is jointly owned by Westfield and MEPC. Westfield is a fully integrated retail property company with an £8 billion portfolio of shopping centre assets across the world.

The company also manages six other UK shopping centres, and shopping centre assets in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. (AMcE)