The Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise has described the closure of Connswater Shopping Centre as a ‘devastating blow’ to the area. The shopping centre closes its doors today (Friday) after more than 40 years of serving the community.
“For decades, Connswater has been more than just a shopping centre — it has been an institution, a vital hub for local businesses, and a key source of employment. Its loss leaves a significant gap in our community, both economically and socially,” said Jonathan McAlpin.
“Micro and small businesses are the backbone of East Belfast’s economy, and they now face an urgent need for affordable workspace units, office and retail space, to continue operating.
“East Belfast Enterprise has responded to the news of Connswater’s closure by offering immediate practical business advice, mentoring, support and temporary accommodation.
“However what is needed is a long term solution, hence we call on the Northern Ireland Executive to act swiftly, to assist businesses, without any visible and viable options for continuing, and create an opportunity in the heart of East Belfast at Connswater for new businesses to start and grow, creating new employment and providing local services.
“There is an opportunity here to create a vibrant hub of local businesses, tapping into the entrepreneurial spirit that we see in East Belfast and that is evident in spaces like our own at City East. Like Portview, Banana Block and the new businesses that are making an impact locally such as Flout Pizza, Boundary and Bullhouse East breweries.
“The closure of Connswater highlights the lack of and need for prime, sustainable, and fit for purpose business premises in East Belfast, and I would appeal to policymakers to create a capital fund and prioritise the development of new, accessible workspaces that will allow entrepreneurs, independent retailers, and startups to thrive and contribute to the local economy.
“East Belfast has always been a resilient and enterprising community. With the right support, we can collectively turn this dire situation into an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen our business landscape.
“I would urge the government to step up and invest in the immediate and longer term, for the survival and future of local enterprise, and partner with charities like our own to develop new workspace units and make these available for local businesses now — before, for some, it’s too late.”