Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley made his first public appearance following his resignation this month at the launch of Victoria Square, Belfast.
Along with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the Minister for Social Development Margaret Ritchie and host for the night Eamonn Holmes, Multi Development and investor Commerz Grundbesitz Invest opened the £400m regeneration scheme in the heart of the city centre on March 5.
The invited guests enjoyed a spectacular light and sound show that marked the opening of the 800,000-sq ft scheme, while the following morning at the consumer launch, shoppers enjoyed an opening show featuring Cirque de Soleil acts and the critically-acclaimed Tap Dogs.
"The launch party is a real celebration," said Multi UK managing director Paul Sargent. "It's not just opening a shopping centre, it's a celebration of Northern Ireland."
The centre, built over four levels, with an additional two-level basement car park, has 98 shop units, including 39 signed new retailers to Belfast and Northern Ireland, including a 200,000- sq ft flagship House of Fraser store, Hugo Boss, Pumpkin Patch and Urban Outfitters. The leisure element includes an eight-screen Odeon that opens in July and a range of restaurants and eateries. The centre is currently 92 per cent let and 45 retailers opened their doors on the launch day.
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