Jobs boost with £100m centre plan

Junction One opened last May

Up to 500 additional jobs are to be created in a £100m expansion at Northern Ireland's first international outlet shopping centre.

A second phase of retail units has been approved at Junction One, near Antrim, along with a fitness centre, a hotel and a multi-screen cinema.

It comes a year after the centre complex opened on the 60-acre site.

Alistair Kennedy of Junction One said the new facilities had significant economic and tourism benefits.

"Junction One has surpassed all expectations welcoming over 2.5 million visitors in its first year of operations," he said.

"From the outset, our aim has been to provide a unique mixed use family orientated destination which will attract visitors from throughout Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and indeed further afield.

"The time is now right to expand on what is currently offered by developing an evening economy.

Second largest

"This can only serve to attract people to view Antrim as an overnight destination".

Junction One opened on 31 May 2004, with more than 50 outlet stores and more than 800 staff.

The second phase of the development features a three-star, 120-bedroom hotel, a 10,000 sq ft fitness club and a five-screen cinema which can seat 1,100.

Work has already begun on a food store to be opened by supermarket chain Lidl in September.

A two storey food court and children's play area is due to open at the end of next month, and the green light has also been given for a further three restaurants and a drive-through eatery.

Mr Kennedy added: "It is our firm belief that Antrim's central location has played a major part in the success of Junction One."

He said that when completed, Junction One will rank as the second largest factory outlet centre in the UK.