Letting agents for Belfast's Odyssey centre, the largest sports and leisure complex developed in Ireland, are reporting enthusiastic interest in the remaining available licensed and retail space.
It is understood that terms have just been agreed for the bulk of the remaining lifestyle-retail space. A major UK leisure group is taking 30,000 sq ft for a 20-lane bowling alley. The unit is understood to have attracted a rental level of around £12 sterling per sq foot.
The agents are not yet quoting rentals for four kiosk units until the remainder of the larger units are let. There are a small number of retail spaces available in a format from 3,600 sq ft to the maximum available of 15,000 sq ft. The retail area is attracting rental levels of around £25 sterling per sq ft. It is also understood that major fast-food chains including McDonalds and Pizza Express are involved in negotiations over remaining food-court accommodation in the Odyssey's pavilion area. It is also expected that upmarket restaurants may also take space. Local restaurateurs are also involved in negotiations. There are also three licences for pubs in the complex. It is understood that the letting agents, Insignia Richard Ellis Gunne is at an advanced stage of negotiations with two major licensed trade operators, one from Northern Ireland and the other UK-based.
The international entertainment company and original themed restaurant, Hard Rock CafΘ, opened just over a month ago and has been trading successfully on the ground floor. People have been queuing up to three hours for seats. Hard Rock CafΘ senior director, Mr Oliver Munday said that it had been the company's aim to bring the Hard Rock CafΘ brand to Ireland for years. "we're pleased to be able to fulfil our ambition in such an ideal location," he said. The restaurant has 5,500 sq ft of floor space with seating for 250 people. it also has a private party area, stage and bar area.
The Odyssey centre has the largest indoor sports arena in Ireland with seating for 10,000. The arena was packed out for last season's ice hockey games and this is expected to be repeated when the new hockey season starts this autumn. The locally based team, the Belfast Giants, are attracting considerable support in the city.
Last December former president Clinton and British prime minister Tony Blair addressed an audience that packed the Odyssey arena, urging support for the Belfast agreement. Mr Blair paid tribute to the £91.5 million sterling investment at the Odyssey centre. The centre comprises the 10,000-seat arena, and the 130,000-sq ft science centre which has proved a major attraction with families. There is parking for 1,500 cars on the 23-acre site which was formerly a scrapyard on the east bank of the Lagan. The Odyssey is now beginning to take over from the Waterfront Hall as the key public attraction in the Laganside regeneration area.
