Cookstown celebrates return to high street with jobs boost

by Gillian McDade

Fifteen jobs have been created in Cookstown in a £1m investment.

Three new retailers have opened in recent weeks - Specsavers, CeX and DV8.

Specsavers and CeX are both new additions to Cookstown while DV8 has relocated and upsized.

Lambert Smith Hampton’s Retail Team was actively involved in all three new transactions.

Gary Martin, Associate Director of the Retail Agency at Lambert Smith Hampton says it’s a sign of confidence in provincial shops. 

The new stores span around 11,100 sq. ft. 

Specsavers has opened in a 3,700 sq. ft unit, CeX has taken over a c.1,400 sq. ft unit and DV8 has opened in a c.6,000 sq. ft unit.

 Mr Martin adds: “We’ve seen a strong demand from retailers trying to secure units in other towns such as Omagh, Enniskillen and Downpatrick.  While consumers are still attracted to large shopping centres and Belfast as a retail destination, our regional towns still have much to offer and this demand highlights the continued revitalisation of our high streets.”

Mid Ulster District Council Chairman, Cllr. Trevor Wilson, says one of the key priorities as a Council is to create the conditions for growth in Mid Ulster.

 “We wish the new traders continued success,” he adds.