Northern Ireland’s most eagerly awaited retail regeneration project, Victoria Square, welcomed crowds of shoppers for the first time today with a fanfare of entertainment, music and international broadway acts, attracting thousands of visitors under its dome in the first few hours.

Hugh Black, Centre Manager for Victoria Square, said: “Victoria Square is a truly stunning transformation and illustrates the changing face of Belfast City Centre. It is a very exciting time for Belfast and I am delighted to welcome so many people from all over Northern Ireland and beyond. People have been amazed at what we have to offer, both in terms of shops and the uniqueness of the design and space and it has been an overwhelming success.”

Visitors to the 800,000 sq ft street-scape scheme were able to browse and shop at many stores for the first time with new retailers including Urban Outfitters; Cruise; LK Bennett and All Saints opening their first stores in Northern Ireland. Shoppers were also treated to anchor store House of Fraser which stocks over 500 brands - including the world-famous Hamleys toy store and many more firsts for Belfast and Northern Ireland like beauty legends Crème de la Mer, Prescriptives and Laura Mercier as well fashion from Joseph, Ghost and Whistles and luxury lingerie from Agent Provocateur and La Perla.

Victoria Square has also announced it will operate extended opening hours in a drive to promote a City Centre evening economy. “We are committed to our extended opening hours as we feel it is essential to promote Belfast City Centre as a place to spend time in the evening.