Workmen have begun final preparations at a new 82-seat bar and restaurant inside Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon. The 3,300 square foot venue occupies a unit formerly held by Synge & Byrne café, which ceased operations last year. Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council granted planning permission to owners Killahoey Limited.

The facility includes a bar, waiting area and 26 outdoor seats on a patio. It features a dedicated entrance and permission to operate beyond the centre's standard hours. Rushmere Shopping Centre, which opened in 1976, drew 10.9 million visitors last year.

Existing eateries at the site already attract substantial custom. The new outlet will create jobs locally. Visitors must use the centre's 1,800 parking spaces, reduced in number after modifications to one car park entrance.

Separate construction advances on a new Lidl store at the location.