Next store set for approval

The application will go before Lisburn City Council’s Planning Committee on Monday evening (December 3) for consideration.

There was one letter of objection opposing the application, which, if given the go ahead would see a new store open in the city.

Last year the company, which already has a clothing store in Lisburn Square and a Home store at Sprucefield, announced its plans to take over the former MFI unit beside Marks and Spencer, which has been vacant for three years, with plans to create a new 18,000 sq ft store, one of the biggest in the UK.

The company is currently seeking permission for an 8,000 sq ft expansion of the mezzanine level at the former furniture premises and, if planning approval is granted, the new store will be the company’s largest outlet in Northern Ireland outside Belfast.

The new store will also bring a jobs boost for the city, with the company predicting it will create in the region of 140 new full and part time jobs.

Next has also given reassurances the existing shops in Lisburn Square and at the site at Sprucefield - close to Sainsbury’s - will continue to operate alongside the new store.

Speaking last year when the planning application was lodged, a spokesperson for Next said: “Next has confirmed it intends to acquire the vacant premises at the Sprucefield shopping centre in Lisburn after it has been empty for three years. No contract has been signed but if the plans go ahead then the store would create 140 new full and part time jobs.

“This potential new store would be an addition to Next’s portfolio of stores in the Lisburn area. Next Lisburn town centre, Sprucefield Home and Craigavon Rushmere store would still continue to trade,” he concluded.