Business owners in the Great Northern Mall once enjoyed the benefits of being linked to Belfast’s main public transport hub — but with Great Victoria Street train and bus station’s closure, some are wondering if it’s the end of the line for them too.
Footfall has plummeted since the opening of the new Grand Central Station nearby.
One trader has seen an 80% drop in business, although the owners of some recently established shops in the mall are optimistic plans for a new market on the site of the old station will attract customers back.
What is the future of the Great Northern Mall ?
The fall in business has hit some harder than others.
Nonetheless, Giuseppe Micciche (37) is looking ahead with optimism for the new market, which motivated him to set up at the mall.
He opened Nica Nica cafe just over two months ago after previously working out of pop-up shops.
Giuseppe Micciche from Nica Nica
He takes pride in offering authentic homemade products from Sicily.
“We’re really happy at the moment, a lot of our customers have followed us to our new place,” he explained.
“We are really excited because the new market will be opening — this why we are here.
“In a few months this place will be really busy.”
While normal footfall is low, the former paramedic makes use of social media to attract new customers.
He added: “We post pictures and video about our products almost every day. It lets people know where we are.”
Inside the deserted Great Northern Mall
The new market can’t come soon enough for Navid Hemd, the owner of mobile and tech accessory stand ProMobile.
He has taken a real hit since the station pulled the shutters down.
“After it closed it was very quiet,” he explained.
“People only really come through here for the parking, or to ask where is the (new) station.”
Motioning to several businesses opposite his that have shut their doors for good, he lamented: “This one closed, and so did this one.”
He estimated the mall was now getting only 20% of the footfall it did last year.
Navid added: “Here, there is no business — a lot of people are waiting (for customers).”
Nallaine Calvo, who helps operate Filipino eatery Kubo, set up just before Christmas.
Like Giuseppe, she believes the new plan will rejuvenate the place.
She said: “The reason why we came here is because they were opening the market — it’s going to be in a great spot and become a vibrant area.
“The fact that the whole area is going to change, not even within the next year but the next years, is really exciting for small businesses.
“What I’m told is that they’re aiming for May or April.
“They’ve already started the work on it and are sorting out traders.”
Navid Hemd from ProMobile
Formerly a stall at Trademarket, Kubo has relied on loyal customers and a strong social media presence to boost business.
She added: “The reality is the footfall is not as high as it was, but we’re lucky that we’re a bit more established, have regulars, and people who are curious about Filipino food.
“But it if weren’t for that, it would be a struggle.
“It is exciting to see how it goes, but at the end of the day you just never know until you’re right in the fire of it.”
Sasha, who works at Ziggicig, said the electronic cigarette and vape store still had “plenty of footfall” with business remaining steady.
Sasha from Ziggicig
The 22-year-old said she had heard little talk of when the new market will open but was optimistic it will make a big difference.
It’s understood the first layers of concrete have been laid for the development, which will connect Belfast Grand Central station with the new market — and hopefully revitalise the area.