A NEW Marks & Spencers store has just opened in the “biggest” train station on the island of Ireland.
The British retailer is now trading at Belfast Grand Central Station – just three years after the popular branch at Dublin’s Heuston Station closed.
Marks & Spencers opened its doors at Belfast’s Grand Central Station[/caption]
Percy Pig was on hand to celebrate the opening[/caption]
This new M&S Food store is operated by SSP Group, a leader in food and beverage outlets in plenty of travel locations across Britain.
M&S has had a long-standing partnership with SSP Group in the UK, offering commuters and travellers with high-quality, convenient food options on the go.
The store is located at the heart of one of Belfast’s most anticipated infrastructure projects, Grand Central Station, offering easy access for tourists and commuters in the city.
The new €405,843,108 station is the largest transport hub on the island of Ireland, providing eight railway platforms and 26 bus stands.
Translink, which Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company owns, described it as a “game-changer” due to its capacity to cater for 20million passenger journeys a year.
The original transport hub situated on Grosvenor Road has now closed.
Commuters can now enjoy a range of M&S favourites, including a bakery stocked with freshly baked pastries.
The popular ‘Food to Go’ section also offers sandwiches, salads, and locally sourced options from Newry-based supplier Around Noon.
There are also lots of meal choices, like Collection Wood Fired pizzas and ready meals, alongside M&S’s beloved treats, including Percy Pigs.
M&S Country Director in Ireland & Northern Ireland Eddie Murphy said he is excited about the partnership with SSP Group and the opening of the store.
He said: “We’re thrilled to partner with SSP Group once again and open the first M&S Food store in a major Northern Ireland travel hub.
“Grand Central Station is a key part of Belfast’s infrastructure and unlocking the city’s future potential, and we’re proud to bring our quality and freshness to customers on the go.
“Whether commuters are grabbing a quick bite or picking up dinner for tonight, the store offers a fantastic range, including sandwiches from our local supplier Around Noon.
“This not only highlights our commitment to support local producers, but also ensures fresh, great quality options for our customers.”
SSP Group currently operates 54 M&S Food stores across Northern Ireland and Britain.
CEO of SSP UK & Ireland Kari Daniels said that M&S’s premium food selection combined with SSP’s travel expertise will make the new store a popular stop.
‘Welcoming stop for passengers’
He said: “We have a long-standing relationship with M&S Food and are excited to open our first store together in Northern Ireland.
“I’m confident that the powerful combination of M&S’s premium food range and our travel retail expertise will make this store a convenient and welcome stop for passengers at Belfast Grand Central Station.”
Translink’s Chief Executive Chris Conway also said the station is the perfect place for the new store, giving people a space where they can meet, connect, and engage with one another.
The store is part of larger infrastructure projects taking place at the station[/caption]
