Major expansion at Marks & Spencer in Ballymena

As part of an ongoing £35 million investment programme in Northern Ireland, Marks & Spencer has announced the launch of a major expansion programme at its Ballymena store in Fairhill Shopping Centre.

Work will commence early in 2004 on the multi-million pound development promising Marks & Spencer Ballymena customers a "fantastic new shopping experience".

The development is part of a £35 million investment programme by Marks & Spencer in Northern Ireland over the past 18 months, including an expansion programme at the Bangor store and renewal programmes at the Marks & Spencer Foyleside, Newry and Newtownbreda stores.

Neil Hyslop, Divisional Executive for Marks & Spencer Ireland, who launched the major investment programme, said: “The announcement of the Ballymena store expansion is an indication of our ongoing commitment to Northern Ireland and we’re delighted to play a part in the further economic development of the province.

“Marks & Spencer is also investing €60 million in the Republic of Ireland, incorporating new stores at Blanchardstown and Dundrum.

“Our continued development brings the Marks & Spencer philosophy of service and quality to more and more customers and we look forward to continued, successful growth in Ireland.”

The refurbished Ballymena store will include additional footage on the ground floor, as well as the introduction of a first floor level and will feature a new Café Revive coffee shop, together with increased footage on fashion, home, gifts and foods.

The expansion will incorporate a pedestrian bridge link at first floor level to the adjacent multi-storey car park and the centre will benefit from a total of 1,100 car parking spaces.

This work will more than double the size of the Marks & Spencer Ballymena store to 46,950 sq. ft.

“With work due to be completed in September 2004, our customers can look forward to a stunning new look store, selling the products they want in a stylish and superb new setting,” said Store Manager Ann Laverty.

In March 2003, Marks & Spencer announced plans to open a full store at Dundrum in Dublin. The 84,000 sq. ft. store will open in Spring 2005.

Added to the retailer's Blanchardstown store which is scheduled to open in late 2004, Marks & Spencer's complement of stores in the Republic of Ireland will rise to nine in 2005.

(SP)