6th June 2025
Business Improvement District, Belfast One has commended the influx of investment secured for Donegall Place that will see the area at full occupancy by the end of the summer, marking a major milestone for the organisation’s city centre retail revival mission.
A number of brands are set to open and expand in Belfast city centre in the coming months, including major developments such as Victoria’s Secret on Donegall Place to LEGO and Bershka in Victoria Square.
Belfast One’s latest statistics reveal that Belfast city centre is experiencing a period of notable growth, with footfall up 6.5% already this year to date, creating an attractive opportunity for the influx of new retail outlets. Royal Avenue has witnessed a particularly strong performance with a 22% year-on-year increase, while Donegall Place is up 7%. Saturdays and Sundays continue to be the busiest days in the city, reflecting increasing consumer confidence and interest in Belfast’s evolving retail and hospitality offerings.
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One BID, shares her excitement: “We are delighted to see Donegall Place on its way to becoming fully occupied once again. There have been several vacant units in recent years, and whilst, like every city, there is still work to be done to improve the city centre, this milestone is a clear indicator of Belfast city centre’s ongoing growth and transformation, as we continue to witness increased footfall across the city centre.
“The hoarding for one store is coming down this week, and right across the street, the hoarding has gone up, which is just one example of the significant changes we are seeing to the retail landscape in Belfast city centre. There are also a number of active works happening in other city centre locations to create extended retail space, watch this space.”
Earlier this year, Donegall Place introduced the world’s first Primark Home store, which has been a huge success already with thousands of customers lining the street on their opening weekend, and Northern Ireland’s first ever Ivy restaurant at Cleaver House opened in Autumn last year.
“The influx of new brands and expansions this summer will ensure that Belfast keeps pace with global retail trends. It not only reflects confidence in the city centre but also enhances the shopping experience for everyone who visits Belfast, putting it on the map alongside other shopping destinations across the UK,” Martina continues.
Among the most recent arrivals, Donegall Place will welcome global lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret. Much-loved fashion brand Stradivarius will close over the summer months to expand its store, due to growing demand. The luxury scene will also be elevated with Rolex’s new flagship opening ahead of the 153rd Open Championship in July 2025 at Donegall Place.
Just around the corner, Wellington Place will welcome a new flavour to the area with the arrival of Knoops, the luxurious chocolate drinks brand, following the successful launch of Knoops’ first ever store in Northern Ireland in Victoria Square in December 2024.
On Ann Street, London-based coffee chain Black Sheep Coffee will also open its second store in the city, following the successful opening of its Donegall Square East and Chichester Street locations in February.
Nomadic Watches will also join its new neighbours on Donegall Square East this summer, with Russell & Bromley also opening on William Street South, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.
The buzz continues at Victoria Square, with a number of first to Northern Ireland brands, with the opening of the first ever LEGO store, as well as clothing brand, Bershka, to deliver its three main lines: Bershka, BSK, and Man. Pull & Bear will also be expanding to a brand-new 16,000 sq ft unit in the coming months. Additionally, Victoria Square will welcome an all-Ireland first, Mowgli restaurant, offering vibrant Indian street food.
Hospitality and lifestyle sectors are also seeing a boost, following the opening of popular Belfast bar Amelia Hall in Autumn last year. The beautifully refurbished cocktail bar Margot will be debuting its new brand, Rudi on Donegall Square, while the Bedford Hotel’s stylish revamp promises a chic stay in the city centre, opening later in autumn 2025.
Criona Collins, Head of Retail Agency at Lambert Smith Hampton, who manage over 40 shopping centres across the UK, including Victoria Square, added: “The latest wave of brand announcements and future openings is a powerful vote of confidence in Belfast city centre. These developments aren’t just enhancing our retail landscape – they’re driving its evolution. We’re proud to welcome several standout brands making their debut – a clear sign of Belfast’s continued appeal as a premier retail destination.”
With Donegall Place fully occupied and a wealth of new experiences and brands across Belfast city centre, summer 2025 is set to be a good one for Belfast.
For more information on what’s happening across Belfast city centre, visit www.belfastone.co.uk or follow Belfast One on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @BelfastOne.
Media contact:
Suzy Spence, JComms, suzy.spence@jcomms.co.uk
Callum Craig, Belfast One, callum@belfastone.co.uk
