Connswater Shopping Centre to close March 21 amid financial struggles

Connswater Shopping Centre in east Belfast is set to close on March 21 after the appointment of BDO NI as Fixed Charge Receivers due to ongoing viability issues stemming from a challenging retail landscape and the loss of anchor tenants. The centre, which opened in 1983, currently has only 20 commercial tenants remaining out of 52 units, with BDO indicating they will support these tenants during the transition and explore potential future uses and sale options for the site. Local MP Gavin Robinson called the closure a 'sad day for East Belfast' and acknowledged the centre's long-standing role in the community. Despite the closure, the adjacent retail park and The Range will continue to operate normally. A spokeswoman for Connswater expressed gratitude to customers and staff, emphasizing the shopping centre's significance to the local fabric over its 20 years of operation.