Frasers Group plc has signed a lease to open an elevated Sports Direct store in the former H&M unit at Bow Street Mall in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

The UK's largest sporting goods retailer will occupy a space extending to 15,200 sq. ft. and trade one of its latest formats to provide an extensive range of sporting and fashion apparel under its Sports Direct and USC brands.

The letting to Sports Direct was brokered by Paul Wilson, Director of Retail at Savills, who commented:

“This is a huge positive for Lisburn and Bow Street Mall and provides a fantastic new retail addition to the shopping centre line up. Sports Direct are investing heavily in the store to provide a fresh new and exciting retail environment, similar to that of the company’s latest store to open in Ballymena. This investment is a going to greatly aid Bow Street Mall’s appeal joining other keys retailers including Primark, Dunnes Stores and Peacocks.”

With over 60 shops, restaurants and cafes, Bow Street Mall is one of Northern Ireland's largest and most successful shopping destinations. Over 3.5 million shoppers visit the centre each year, driven by its impressive line-up of retailers, such as, Primark, Dunnes Stores, DV8 and New Look.

Bow Street Mall is situated just 8 miles south west of Belfast and has an immediate catchment population of over 75,000. A recent survey found that the average shopper visits the centre 75 times per year, with an average dwell time of 65 minutes.

A spokeswoman for Sports Direct said: “This is a major part of Sport Direct’s brand elevation strategy that will see a huge investment in a number of new stores, while upgrading and improving existing ones across the UK & Ireland. This is the strategic vision of the business as it aims to meet the demands of an ever more sophisticated consumer who is increasingly looking for not only good value, but an enhanced shopping experience.”

Karen Marshall, Centre Manager at Bow Street Mall commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome market leading retailer, Sports Direct, to Bow Street Mall, which has been at the heart of retailing in Lisburn for over 30 years, providing employment for hundreds of staff and supporting the local economy. The addition of Sports Direct and USC will provide a real boost to the current retail line-up, providing customers with even more choice and value, conveniently located right on their doorstep. The new brands that this store will bring to the Centre will appeal to a wide audience of sport and fashion enthusiasts.”