£150m John Lewis Development Announcement Due Today

The prospect of almost 500 new construction jobs in Northern Ireland is expected to be revealed today, as planners prepare to give their decision on the future of a proposed John Lewis development at Sprucefield, outside Belfast.

Joint venture partners Westfield and Snoddon Developments submitted a fresh planning application to Lisburn City Council last year.

The revamped proposals saw the number of auxiliary shops based at the complex slashed, from 29 to 19.

It has been suggested the £150m project could stimulate around 2,000 new jobs in the province, including many much-needed opportunities in the construction sector.

John Lewis would create around 700 full time jobs alone.

Last August, the developers said they expected the scaled-down plans, which stretch over 50,000 square metres, to overcome objections from concerned retail groups.

Westfield described the scheme as a "vibrant mix" of fashion, cafes and restaurants, with no supermarket incorporated.

The developers took the unusual step of calling for a public inquiry into the proposals, so any outstanding objections could be dealt with in an open forum in line with planning policy.

Initial proposals for the Sprucefield scheme were lodged and approved four years ago.

However, the then minister Lord Rooker's decision was overturned at a judicial review.

Retailers in Belfast, Lisburn, Banbridge and Craigavon voiced strong opposition to the plans.

The pressure groups said they did not oppose a John Lewis outlet, rather the size of the development and the number of subsequent stores associated with the project.

(PR/JM)