The 1 million sq ft (92,900 sq m) Victoria Square centre in Belfast opened its doors last week after nearly four years of construction, bringing with it 800,000 sq ft (74,320 sq m) of retail space.

In the first four days of trading, about 250,000 shoppers visited the scheme, according to developer Multi Development. Anchor store House of Fraser said it experienced its best opening yet in terms of footfall and sales, according to Multi Development. Last week, the 225,000 sq ft (20,900 sq m) store became the third-highest trading shop for House of Fraser nationwide, despite it being only a four-day week for the store.

The centre has brought 39 new retailers to Northern Ireland, including House of Fraser, Cruise, Urban Outfitters, Reiss, All Saints and Pumpkin Patch.

The centre’s opening took place on March 6. Former sectarian rivals Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley, who are now Northern Ireland ministers, jointly opened the centre.

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