2022 Update: CastleCourt redevelopment to commence
Posted on 3rd March 2022
CastleCourt management are delighted to confirm that full planning permission for the redevelopment of the (previously named Debenhams unit) has been approved by Belfast City Council on 02.03.22. Conversion and rebuild of the unit will commence within the next two weeks.
Planning approval for a cinema and a family entertainment and adventure specialist, to create a multi-offer proposition in the 120,000 sq ft space vacated by Debenhams in CastleCourt Shopping Centre, are now in place.
Omniplex Cinema Group will occupy 30,000 sq ft with luxury cinema brand ‘The Avenue’. Meanwhile, the family entertainment scheme will take up 50,000sq ft. The remaining 40,000sq ft has been earmarked for further retail activity with details to be announced soon. A new flagship Starbucks is also due to occupy a substantial new site in the centre, with significant on-street presence.
The two major projects represent a combined investment in CastleCourt by owner Wirefox, Omniplex Cinema Group and the family entertainment provider of £10.5m. The Starbucks operation adds a further £350,000 investment in CastleCourt.
We are thrilled that this body of work will allow the creation of 125 construction jobs collectively during the landlord conversion and build, and subsequent tenant fit-outs. Up to 130 full and part time jobs will be created across all operators upon completion.
The Avenue by Omniplex, covering 30,000sq ft will include nine luxury screen cinemas and bar. The luxury cinema is scheduled to open in December 2022, in time for major blockbuster releases Aquaman 2, Super Mario Bros.: The Movie and Avatar 2.
The Avenue will accommodate up to 540 patrons with diverse scheduling across its nine screens, boasting all modern amenities such as the latest in Laser Barco projection and Dolby Digital surround sound technology. Offering an unmatched cinema experience to Belfast’s city centre, The Avenue, finished with plush interiors and comfortable sofa-like seats as standard in all screens, will also feature a fully licenced bar, kitchen and lounge area. Cinemagoers can swap out their usual cinema soft drink for a glass of wine, cocktail or draught beer, or sample a range of small plates, gourmet burgers or freshly made pizzas served directly to seats. As for everyone’s favourite cinema snack, freshly made popcorn on-site, will also be available.
We would like to thank all customers for your patience during this time, and are looking forward to a very exciting 2022!
CastleCourt Centre Management.
