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Coordinates: 54°37′33″N 5°51′33″W / 54.6257°N 5.8591°W / 54.6257; -5.8591
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|caption=Location of Holywood Exchange
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[[Image:HolywoodEx.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Entrance sign to Holywood Exchange, March 2009]]
[[Image:HolywoodEx.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Entrance sign to Holywood Exchange, 2009]]
[[File:B&Q, Holywood Exchange, February 2010.JPG|thumb|right|200px|B&Q, Holywood Exchange, February 2010]]
[[File:B&Q, Holywood Exchange, February 2010.JPG|thumb|right|200px|B&Q, Holywood Exchange, 2010]]
[[File:Sainsburys, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (06).JPG|thumb|right|200px|Sainsbury's, Holywood Exchange, February 2010]]
[[File:Sainsburys, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (06).JPG|thumb|right|200px|Sainsbury's, Holywood Exchange, 2010]]
[[File:Next Home, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (01).JPG|thumb|right|200px|Next Home, Holywood Exchange, February 2010]]
[[File:Next Home, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (01).JPG|thumb|right|200px|Next Home, Holywood Exchange, 2010]]
[[File:Harvey Norman, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (02).JPG|thumb|right|150px|harvey Norman, Holywood Exchange, February 2010]]
[[File:Harvey Norman, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (02).JPG|thumb|right|150px|Harvey Norman, Holywood Exchange, 2010]]
[[File:IKEA, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (01).JPG|thumb|right|200px|IKEA, Holywood Exchange, February 2010]]
[[File:IKEA, Holywood Exchange, February 2010 (01).JPG|thumb|right|200px|IKEA, Holywood Exchange, 2010]]
'''Holywood Exchange''' is a major retail development on the borders of [[Belfast]] and [[Holywood]], Northern Ireland. It is beside [[George Best Belfast City Airport|Belfast City Airport]], in the [[townland]] of Knocknagoney. The site was previously known as '''D5''' and '''Harbour Exchange'''. At present, the development compromises an eleven&nbsp;unit 13,940&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (150,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) retail warehouse centre with (as of {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}); [[Harvey Norman]], [[Lidl]], [[Next (clothing)|Next Home]], [[Decathlon (retailer)|Decathlon]],<ref>{{cite news | title = Decathlon creates 60 jobs with debut store | newspaper = [[Belfast Telegraph]] | last = Canning | first = Margaret | date = 26 January 2010 | url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/business-news/decathlon-creates-60-jobs-with-debut-store-14651911.html | access-date = 26 January 2010 }}</ref> and Wrights Sofaland.<ref name=" Wrights Sofaland">[http://www.sofatastic.co.uk/contact-us "Wrights Sofaland"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312194021/http://www.sofatastic.co.uk/contact-us|date=12 March 2015}}</ref>
'''Holywood Exchange''' is a major retail development on the borders of [[Belfast]] and [[Holywood, County Down|Holywood]], Northern Ireland. It is beside [[George Best Belfast City Airport|Belfast City Airport]], in the [[townland]] of Knocknagoney. The site was previously known as D5 and Harbour Exchange. At present, the development comprises an eleven-unit, 13,940&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (150,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) retail warehouse centre with (as of {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}); [[Harvey Norman]], [[Lidl]], [[Next (clothing)|Next Home]], EZ Living Interiors, [[Home Bargains]] and [[Decathlon (retailer)|Decathlon]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Decathlon creates 60 jobs with debut store | newspaper = [[Belfast Telegraph]] | last = Canning | first = Margaret | date = 26 January 2010 | url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/business-news/decathlon-creates-60-jobs-with-debut-store-14651911.html | access-date = 26 January 2010 }}</ref>


Located beside the retail warehouse is a [[Sainsbury's]] superstore and service station, a [[B&Q|B&Q Warehouse]], and an [[IKEA]] store. Like the expansion of the [[Sprucefield]] Development, Holywood Exchange has been controversial and the subject of repeated planning problems and legal disputes.
Located beside the retail warehouse is a [[Sainsbury's]] superstore and service station, a [[B&Q|B&Q Warehouse]], and an [[IKEA]] store. Like the expansion of the [[Sprucefield]] Development, Holywood Exchange has been controversial and the subject of repeated planning problems and legal disputes.


==History==
==History==
The first planning application for what was then known as ''D5'' was made by Aquis Estates Limited, Anglia and General Developments Limited and [[Belfast Harbour Commissioners]] on 14 November 1995.<ref name="Judgement">{{cite paper|author=Mr Justice Coghlin |title=In the matter of an application by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council for Judicial Review |publisher=Northern Ireland Court Service |date=1 September 2000 |url=http://www.courtsni.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EA5A3490-04E5-4626-8605-D69AF513E6BF/0/j_j_COGF3250.htm |access-date=23 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927032801/http://www.courtsni.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EA5A3490-04E5-4626-8605-D69AF513E6BF/0/j_j_COGF3250.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref> A five week public inquiry was held in December 1996 and January 1997.<ref>Morton, Robert (2 January 1997) 'Harbour site war' Belfast Telegraph</ref> In 1997, the Planning Appeal Commission and the [[Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland)|Department of the Environment]]’s Planning Service recommended that approval should be granted.
The first planning application for what was then known as D5 was made by Aquis Estates Limited, Anglia and General Developments Limited and [[Belfast Harbour Commissioners]] on 14 November 1995.<ref name="Judgement">{{cite web|author=Mr Justice Coghlin |title=In the matter of an application by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council for Judicial Review |publisher=Northern Ireland Court Service |date=1 September 2000 |url=http://www.courtsni.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EA5A3490-04E5-4626-8605-D69AF513E6BF/0/j_j_COGF3250.htm |access-date=23 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927032801/http://www.courtsni.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EA5A3490-04E5-4626-8605-D69AF513E6BF/0/j_j_COGF3250.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref> A five-week public inquiry was held in December 1996 and January 1997.<ref>Morton, Robert (2 January 1997) 'Harbour site war' Belfast Telegraph</ref> In 1997, the Planning Appeal Commission and the [[Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland)|Department of the Environment]]’s Planning Service recommended that approval should be granted.


Formal planning permission was granted on 13 April 1999. On 21 June 1999, [[Belfast City Council]] and The ''Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce'' applied for [[judicial review]] of the decision to grant planning permission. On 9 July 1999, planning permission for D5 was quashed as it was judged that the Minister did not take the decision with all the relevant information.<ref name="Judgement"/>
Formal planning permission was granted on 13 April 1999. On 21 June that year, [[Belfast City Council]] and the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce applied for [[judicial review]] of the decision to grant planning permission. On 9 July 1999, planning permission for D5 was quashed as it was judged that the Minister did not take the decision with all the relevant information.<ref name="Judgement"/>


Planning permission for the competing [[Tesco]] development on the opposite side of the [[A2 road (Northern Ireland)|A2]] had been granted on 28 November 1998. Following the quashing of planning permission for D5, its developers sought judicial review of the permission granted to Tesco arguing that the same could apply to that development, however, this was refused on 17 September 1999. This was on the basis that the £13&nbsp;million Tesco store was almost complete.<ref>{{cite web|title=Heritage Review No. 3 |publisher=John McMurtry & Co Ltd |date=Spring 2000 |url=http://freespace.virgin.net/mp.hearth/HR2000.pdf#search=%22tesco%20knocknagoney%22 |format=PDF |access-date=23 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930044257/http://freespace.virgin.net/mp.hearth/HR2000.pdf |archive-date=30 September 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref> The developers resubmitted their planning application and were granted permission on 21 March 2000. This decision was again successfully challenged in September 2000.<ref>{{cite news | title =Judge axes £80m shopping complex | work =[[BBC News]] | date =1 September 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/906165.stm | access-date =23 August 2006}}</ref> Following another appeal, planning permission was granted in February 2001.<ref>{{cite news | title = Disputed shopping complex go ahead | work =BBC News | date = 23 February 2001 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1186016.stm | access-date =23 August 2006}}</ref>
Planning permission for the competing [[Tesco]] development on the opposite side of the [[A2 road (Northern Ireland)|A2]] had been granted on 28 November 1998. Following the quashing of planning permission for D5, its developers sought judicial review of the permission granted to Tesco arguing that the same could apply to that development, however, this was refused on 17 September 1999. This was on the basis that the £13&nbsp;million Tesco store was almost complete.<ref>{{cite web|title=Heritage Review No. 3 |publisher=John McMurtry & Co Ltd |date=Spring 2000 |url=http://freespace.virgin.net/mp.hearth/HR2000.pdf#search=%22tesco%20knocknagoney%22 |format=PDF |access-date=23 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930044257/http://freespace.virgin.net/mp.hearth/HR2000.pdf |archive-date=30 September 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref>


The developers then resubmitted their planning application and were granted permission on 21 March 2000. This decision was again successfully challenged in September 2000.<ref>{{cite news | title =Judge axes £80m shopping complex | work =[[BBC News]] | date =1 September 2000 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/906165.stm | access-date =23 August 2006}}</ref> Following another appeal, planning permission was granted in February 2001.<ref>{{cite news | title = Disputed shopping complex go ahead | work =BBC News | date = 23 February 2001 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1186016.stm | access-date =23 August 2006}}</ref>
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The Belfast Chamber of Trade lodged a legal challenge with the [[House of Lords]], however its judicial committee refused to grant the chamber of trade leave to appeal.<ref>{{cite news| first = Robin| last = Morton| title = Chamber of Trade faces D5 legal bill| work = Belfast Telegraph| publisher = Belfast Telegraph Newspapers| date = 6 November 2001}}</ref> Construction of the [[B&Q|B&Q Warehouse]] commenced in December 2002. B&Q Holywood Exchange opened in August 2003. [[Sainsbury's]] Holywood Exchange opened in September 2003 with a sales area of 3,809&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (41,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>)<ref>{{cite web|title=J Sainsbury plc Preliminary Results 2003/4 |publisher=[[J Sainsbury|J Sainsbury plc]] |date=19 May 2004 |url=http://www.j-sainsbury.com/files/results/prelims04/pres_booklet.pdf#search=%22%22holywood%20exchange%22%20opened%22 |format=PDF |access-date=23 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927081400/http://www.j-sainsbury.com/files/results/prelims04/pres_booklet.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref>


⚫
The Belfast Chamber of Trade lodged a legal challenge with the [[House of Lords]] but the judicial committee of the House refused to grant the chamber of trade leave to appeal.<ref>{{cite news| first = Robin| last = Morton| title = Chamber of Trade faces D5 legal bill| work = Belfast Telegraph| publisher = Belfast Telegraph Newspapers| date = 6 November 2001}}</ref> Construction of the [[B&Q|B&Q Warehouse]] commenced in December 2002. B&Q Holywood Exchange opened in August 2003. [[Sainsbury's]] Holywood Exchange opened in September 2003 with a sales area of 3,809&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (41,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>)<ref>{{cite web|title=J Sainsbury plc Preliminary Results 2003/4 |publisher=[[J Sainsbury|J Sainsbury plc]] |date=19 May 2004 |url=http://www.j-sainsbury.com/files/results/prelims04/pres_booklet.pdf#search=%22%22holywood%20exchange%22%20opened%22 |format=PDF |access-date=23 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927081400/http://www.j-sainsbury.com/files/results/prelims04/pres_booklet.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref>
The retail warehouse units were not let after completion; they are “the subject of strict guidelines that dictate that only bulky goods can be sold” as a result of the legal challenges to its construction. In May 2008, however, ''The Irish News'' reported that The Planning Service “is considering an application that would see the addition of a [[Mezzanine (architecture)|mezzanine floor]] in the retail warehouse.”


“Retailers say the additional space is necessary for them to display goods.” ''The Irish News'' named [[Harvey Norman]], [[Next (clothing)|Next]], [[T.K. Maxx]] and [[British Home Stores|Bhs]] as likely tenants; all selling electric and/or homeware goods.<ref>Manley, John (27 May 2008) "Exchange lines up big names in retail" The Irish News. Retrieved on 16 August 2008</ref>
The retail warehouse units were not let after completion; they are “the subject of strict guidelines that dictate that only bulky goods can be sold” as a result of the legal challenges to its construction. In May 2008, however, ''The Irish News'' reported that The Planning Service "is considering an application that would see the addition of a [[Mezzanine (architecture)|mezzanine floor]] in the retail warehouse." The paper named [[Harvey Norman]], [[Next (clothing)|Next]], [[TK Maxx]] and [[British Home Stores]] as likely tenants, all of which sell electric and/or homeware goods.<ref>Manley, John (27 May 2008) "Exchange lines up big names in retail" The Irish News. Retrieved on 16 August 2008</ref>


===IKEA===
===IKEA===
In January 2006, [[IKEA]] announced its intention to build a 25,800&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (278,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) store, its first in Northern Ireland. In May 2006, IKEA amended its application for a larger 29,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (312,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) store.<ref>{{cite news | title =Ikea enlarge planned Belfast shop | work =BBC News | date =26 May 2006 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/5017776.stm | access-date =23 August 2006}}</ref> The application was approved in December 2006,<ref>{{cite news | title =Ikea gets go-ahead for city store | work =BBC News | date =21 December 2006 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6199637.stm | access-date =15 January 2007}}</ref> work on the store began in January 2007, and the store opened on 13 December 2007.<ref>{{cite news | title =Work starting on first Ikea store | work =BBC News | date =26 January 2007 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6300211.stm | access-date =15 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title = COUNTDOWN TO IKEA OPENING DAY BEGINS: ONLY 118 DAYS TO GO! | publisher = [[IKEA]] | date = 19 August 2007 | url = http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/about_ikea/press_room/press_release/national/belfast_opening.html | access-date = 19 August 2007 }}</ref>
In January 2006, [[IKEA]] announced its intention to build a 25,800&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (278,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) store, its first in Northern Ireland. In May of that year, the company amended its application for a larger 29,000&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (312,000&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) store.<ref>{{cite news | title =Ikea enlarge planned Belfast shop | work =BBC News | date =26 May 2006 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/5017776.stm | access-date =23 August 2006}}</ref> The application was approved in December 2006,<ref>{{cite news | title =Ikea gets go-ahead for city store | work =BBC News | date =21 December 2006 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6199637.stm | access-date =15 January 2007}}</ref> work on the store began in January 2007, and the store opened on 13 December 2007.<ref>{{cite news | title =Work starting on first Ikea store | work =BBC News | date =26 January 2007 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6300211.stm | access-date =15 February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release | title = COUNTDOWN TO IKEA OPENING DAY BEGINS: ONLY 118 DAYS TO GO! | publisher = [[IKEA]] | date = 19 August 2007 | url = http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/about_ikea/press_room/press_release/national/belfast_opening.html | access-date = 19 August 2007 }}</ref> The store includes a 500-seat restaurant, [[bistro]] and [[Sweden|Swedish]] Shop, and has parking for 1,455 vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|last=IKEA|author-link=IKEA|title=IKEA Belfast – Opening Winter 07 |url=http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=7&catalogId=11001&langId=-20&StoreName=belfast |access-date=11 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623113147/http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=7&catalogId=11001&langId=-20&StoreName=belfast |archive-date=23 June 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> Heating is provided by a 1.2 [[Watt#Megawatt|MW]] [[biomass]] boiler fuelled by locally produced [[woodchips]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Alternative Fuel Boosted |publisher=4NI.co.uk |date=21 January 2009 |url=http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=88179 |access-date=14 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123234953/http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=88179 |archive-date=23 January 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref>


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===Restaurant units===
The store includes a five hundred seat Restaurant, [[Bistro]] and [[Sweden|Swedish]] Shop, and has parking for 1,455 vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|last=IKEA|author-link=IKEA|title=IKEA Belfast – Opening Winter 07 |url=http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=7&catalogId=11001&langId=-20&StoreName=belfast |access-date=11 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070623113147/http://www.ikea.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/IkeaNearYouView?storeId=7&catalogId=11001&langId=-20&StoreName=belfast |archive-date=23 June 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> Heating is provided by a 1.2 [[Watt#Megawatt|MW]] [[biomass]] boiler fuelled by locally produced [[woodchips]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Alternative Fuel Boosted |publisher=4NI.co.uk |date=21 January 2009 |url=http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=88179 |access-date=14 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123234953/http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=88179 |archive-date=23 January 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref>
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By 2012, four restaurant units of 924.11&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (9934&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) had been completed within the existing retail units car park.<ref>{{cite news | title = Food for thought at Holywood Exchange | newspaper = Belfast Telegraph | date = 19 June 2012| url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/food-for-thought-at-holywood-exchange-28762115.html | access-date = 5 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = To Let | publisher = Osborne King | date = 19 June 2012| url = http://www.osborneking.com/property-item.aspx?Property_ID=12551&FriendlyID=Restaurant-Units-Holywood-Exchange-Airport-Road-Belfast-BT3-9EJ | access-date = 5 January 2015}}</ref> As of {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}, [[Burger King]], [[Costa Coffee]] and [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]] are occupying three separate premises. There is also a [[Starbucks]] located in the Sainsbury's supermarket.<ref>{{cite news | title = HOLYWOOD EXCHANGE WELCOMES COSTA AND SUBWAY! | publisher = Osborne King | date = June 2014| url = http://www.osborneking.com/news-item.aspx?News_ID=10195&FriendlyID=HOLYWOOD-EXCHANGE-WELCOMES-COSTA-AND-SUBWAY | access-date = 5 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McLaughlin |first=Sophie |date=2023-09-29 |title=New Starbucks location set to open in NI shopping complex |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/new-starbucks-location-set-open-27814928 |access-date=2023-09-30 |website=BelfastLive |language=en}}</ref>

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===Restaurant Units===
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Four restaurant units of 924.11&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> (9934&nbsp;ft<sup>2</sup>) were built within the existing retail units car park<ref>{{cite news | title = Food for thought at Holywood Exchange | newspaper = Belfast Telegraph | date = 19 June 2012| url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/news/food-for-thought-at-holywood-exchange-28762115.html | access-date = 5 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = To Let | publisher = Osborne King | date = 19 June 2012| url = http://www.osborneking.com/property-item.aspx?Property_ID=12551&FriendlyID=Restaurant-Units-Holywood-Exchange-Airport-Road-Belfast-BT3-9EJ | access-date = 5 January 2015}}</ref> As of {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}, [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]], [[Burger King]] and [[Costa Coffee]] have since occupied three separate premises.<ref>{{cite news | title = HOLYWOOD EXCHANGE WELCOMES COSTA AND SUBWAY! | publisher = Osborne King | date = June 2014| url = http://www.osborneking.com/news-item.aspx?News_ID=10195&FriendlyID=HOLYWOOD-EXCHANGE-WELCOMES-COSTA-AND-SUBWAY | access-date = 5 January 2015}}</ref>


==Transport==
==Transport==
The developers of the Holywood Exchange were able to take advantage of existing road connections. The most important element of these connections was a full flyover on the A2, already built for access to the Belfast Harbour Estate. The railway line of [[Belfast-Bangor railway line|Belfast–Bangor]] runs between the site and the A2. There are proposals for a railway halt to serve both Holywood Exchange and the adjacent [[Belfast City Airport]].
The developers of the Holywood Exchange were able to take advantage of existing road connections, the most important element of which was a flyover on the A2, already built for access to the Belfast Harbour Estate. The [[Belfast-Bangor railway line|Belfast–Bangor]] railway line runs between the site and the A2.


However, Belfast City Airport argues that constructing the halt adjacent to the airport terminal (further away from Holywood Exchange) would encourage more air travellers to use the rail connection.<ref>{{cite web|title=Belfast City Airport Master Plan to 2030 |publisher=Belfast City Airport |url=http://www.belfastcityairport.com/UPLOADS/DOCS/MasterPlan2006.pdf |format=PDF |access-date=23 August 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202204023/http://www.belfastcityairport.com/UPLOADS/DOCS/MasterPlan2006.pdf |archive-date=2 February 2007 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> The Airport has also stated that it will consider providing road access to the airport through Holywood Exchange as a way of reducing congestion on the existing airport access route.
There were proposals for a railway halt to serve both Holywood Exchange and the adjacent [[Belfast City Airport]]. However, the airport operators argued that constructing the halt adjacent to the airport terminal (further away from Holywood Exchange) would encourage more air travellers to use the rail connection.<ref>{{cite web|title=Belfast City Airport Master Plan to 2030|publisher=Belfast City Airport|url=http://www.belfastcityairport.com/UPLOADS/DOCS/MasterPlan2006.pdf|access-date=23 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070202204023/http://www.belfastcityairport.com/UPLOADS/DOCS/MasterPlan2006.pdf|archive-date=2 February 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy}}</ref> The airport operators also stated that they would consider providing road access to the airport through Holywood Exchange as a way of reducing congestion on the existing airport access route.


On 16 January 2007, the [[Department for Regional Development|Regional Development Minister]] [[David Cairns (politician)|David Cairns]] announced that a [[feasibility study]] would be launched into the construction of a rapid transit route linking Holywood Exchange to [[Belfast City Centre]]. The route would also serve the airport and the [[Titanic Quarter]] Development.<ref>{{cite news|first = Robin|last = Morton|title = Light rail plans for Belfast speed up|url = http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2157770.ece|archive-url = https://archive.today/20070128035428/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2157770.ece|url-status = dead|archive-date = 28 January 2007|work = Belfast Telegraph|publisher = Independent News & Media (NI)|date = 16 January 2007 | access-date = 30 January 2007 }}</ref>
On 16 January 2007, the [[Department for Regional Development|Regional Development Minister]] [[David Cairns (politician)|David Cairns]] announced that a [[feasibility study]] would be launched into the construction of a rapid transit route linking Holywood Exchange to [[Belfast City Centre]]. The route would also serve the airport and the [[Titanic Quarter]] Development.<ref>{{cite news|first=Robin|last=Morton|title=Light rail plans for Belfast speed up|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2157770.ece|archive-url=https://archive.today/20070128035428/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article2157770.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 January 2007|work=Belfast Telegraph|publisher = Independent News & Media (NI)|date=16 January 2007|access-date=30 January 2007}}</ref>
{{clear}}


==References==
==References==
Line 63: Line 62:
[[Category:Shopping centres in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Shopping centres in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Belfast]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Belfast]]
[[Category:Holywood]]
[[Category:Holywood, County Down]]

Latest revision as of 15:50, 2 February 2024

Holywood Exchange is located in Greater Belfast
Holywood Exchange
Holywood Exchange
class=notpageimage|
Location of Holywood Exchange
Entrance sign to Holywood Exchange, 2009
B&Q, Holywood Exchange, 2010
Sainsbury's, Holywood Exchange, 2010
Next Home, Holywood Exchange, 2010
Harvey Norman, Holywood Exchange, 2010
IKEA, Holywood Exchange, 2010

Holywood Exchange is a major retail development on the borders of Belfast and Holywood, Northern Ireland. It is beside Belfast City Airport, in the townland of Knocknagoney. The site was previously known as D5 and Harbour Exchange. At present, the development comprises an eleven-unit, 13,940 m2 (150,000 ft2) retail warehouse centre with (as of December 2024); Harvey Norman, Lidl, Next Home, EZ Living Interiors, Home Bargains and Decathlon.[1]

Located beside the retail warehouse is a Sainsbury's superstore and service station, a B&Q Warehouse, and an IKEA store. Like the expansion of the Sprucefield Development, Holywood Exchange has been controversial and the subject of repeated planning problems and legal disputes.

History

[edit]

The first planning application for what was then known as D5 was made by Aquis Estates Limited, Anglia and General Developments Limited and Belfast Harbour Commissioners on 14 November 1995.[2] A five-week public inquiry was held in December 1996 and January 1997.[3] In 1997, the Planning Appeal Commission and the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service recommended that approval should be granted.

Formal planning permission was granted on 13 April 1999. On 21 June that year, Belfast City Council and the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce applied for judicial review of the decision to grant planning permission. On 9 July 1999, planning permission for D5 was quashed as it was judged that the Minister did not take the decision with all the relevant information.[2]

Planning permission for the competing Tesco development on the opposite side of the A2 had been granted on 28 November 1998. Following the quashing of planning permission for D5, its developers sought judicial review of the permission granted to Tesco arguing that the same could apply to that development, however, this was refused on 17 September 1999. This was on the basis that the £13 million Tesco store was almost complete.[4]

The developers then resubmitted their planning application and were granted permission on 21 March 2000. This decision was again successfully challenged in September 2000.[5] Following another appeal, planning permission was granted in February 2001.[6]

The Belfast Chamber of Trade lodged a legal challenge with the House of Lords but the judicial committee of the House refused to grant the chamber of trade leave to appeal.[7] Construction of the B&Q Warehouse commenced in December 2002. B&Q Holywood Exchange opened in August 2003. Sainsbury's Holywood Exchange opened in September 2003 with a sales area of 3,809 m2 (41,000 ft2)[8]

The retail warehouse units were not let after completion; they are “the subject of strict guidelines that dictate that only bulky goods can be sold” as a result of the legal challenges to its construction. In May 2008, however, The Irish News reported that The Planning Service "is considering an application that would see the addition of a mezzanine floor in the retail warehouse." The paper named Harvey Norman, Next, TK Maxx and British Home Stores as likely tenants, all of which sell electric and/or homeware goods.[9]

IKEA

[edit]

In January 2006, IKEA announced its intention to build a 25,800 m2 (278,000 ft2) store, its first in Northern Ireland. In May of that year, the company amended its application for a larger 29,000 m2 (312,000 ft2) store.[10] The application was approved in December 2006,[11] work on the store began in January 2007, and the store opened on 13 December 2007.[12][13] The store includes a 500-seat restaurant, bistro and Swedish Shop, and has parking for 1,455 vehicles.[14] Heating is provided by a 1.2 MW biomass boiler fuelled by locally produced woodchips.[15]

Restaurant units

[edit]

By 2012, four restaurant units of 924.11 m2 (9934 ft2) had been completed within the existing retail units car park.[16][17] As of December 2024, Burger King, Costa Coffee and Subway are occupying three separate premises. There is also a Starbucks located in the Sainsbury's supermarket.[18][19]

Transport

[edit]

The developers of the Holywood Exchange were able to take advantage of existing road connections, the most important element of which was a flyover on the A2, already built for access to the Belfast Harbour Estate. The Belfast–Bangor railway line runs between the site and the A2.

There were proposals for a railway halt to serve both Holywood Exchange and the adjacent Belfast City Airport. However, the airport operators argued that constructing the halt adjacent to the airport terminal (further away from Holywood Exchange) would encourage more air travellers to use the rail connection.[20] The airport operators also stated that they would consider providing road access to the airport through Holywood Exchange as a way of reducing congestion on the existing airport access route.

On 16 January 2007, the Regional Development Minister David Cairns announced that a feasibility study would be launched into the construction of a rapid transit route linking Holywood Exchange to Belfast City Centre. The route would also serve the airport and the Titanic Quarter Development.[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Canning, Margaret (26 January 2010). "Decathlon creates 60 jobs with debut store". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
  2. ^ a b Mr Justice Coghlin (1 September 2000). "In the matter of an application by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Belfast City Council and North Down Borough Council for Judicial Review". Northern Ireland Court Service. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  3. ^ Morton, Robert (2 January 1997) 'Harbour site war' Belfast Telegraph
  4. ^ "Heritage Review No. 3" (PDF). John McMurtry & Co Ltd. Spring 2000. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  5. ^ "Judge axes £80m shopping complex". BBC News. 1 September 2000. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  6. ^ "Disputed shopping complex go ahead". BBC News. 23 February 2001. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  7. ^ Morton, Robin (6 November 2001). "Chamber of Trade faces D5 legal bill". Belfast Telegraph. Belfast Telegraph Newspapers.
  8. ^ "J Sainsbury plc Preliminary Results 2003/4" (PDF). J Sainsbury plc. 19 May 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  9. ^ Manley, John (27 May 2008) "Exchange lines up big names in retail" The Irish News. Retrieved on 16 August 2008
  10. ^ "Ikea enlarge planned Belfast shop". BBC News. 26 May 2006. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  11. ^ "Ikea gets go-ahead for city store". BBC News. 21 December 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2007.
  12. ^ "Work starting on first Ikea store". BBC News. 26 January 2007. Retrieved 15 February 2007.
  13. ^ "COUNTDOWN TO IKEA OPENING DAY BEGINS: ONLY 118 DAYS TO GO!" (Press release). IKEA. 19 August 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2007.
  14. ^ IKEA. "IKEA Belfast – Opening Winter 07". Archived from the original on 23 June 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2007.
  15. ^ "Alternative Fuel Boosted". 4NI.co.uk. 21 January 2009. Archived from the original on 23 January 2009. Retrieved 14 June 2009.
  16. ^ "Food for thought at Holywood Exchange". Belfast Telegraph. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  17. ^ "To Let". Osborne King. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  18. ^ "HOLYWOOD EXCHANGE WELCOMES COSTA AND SUBWAY!". Osborne King. June 2014. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  19. ^ McLaughlin, Sophie (29 September 2023). "New Starbucks location set to open in NI shopping complex". BelfastLive. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  20. ^ "Belfast City Airport Master Plan to 2030" (PDF). Belfast City Airport. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 February 2007. Retrieved 23 August 2006.
  21. ^ Morton, Robin (16 January 2007). "Light rail plans for Belfast speed up". Belfast Telegraph. Independent News & Media (NI). Archived from the original on 28 January 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2007.

54°37′33″N 5°51′33″W / 54.6257°N 5.8591°W / 54.6257; -5.8591

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