Matalan plans a new store at Bridgewater Retail Park in Banbridge. The outlet will cover close to 45,000 sq ft across Units 8 and 9. It will become one of the retailer's largest in Northern Ireland.

A full planning application will go to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council soon. This follows a pre-application notice and prior approval to join the units. The store seeks approval for unrestricted retail sales, a mezzanine floor, car parking and site works.

The development forms the second phase at the park. It includes three drive-thru units. Existing stores there comprise the Range, Tesco, EZ Living, Home Bargains and Marks & Spencer. Iceland's Food Warehouse operates at Unit 7.

B&M Bargains plans to extend Unit 10 from 11,000 sq ft to over 22,000 sq ft. A garden centre of 8,200 sq ft will connect internally from Unit 10. Car parking at the nearby Game of Thrones attraction park and ride will reduce to support these changes.

The Banbridge store will be Matalan's seventh in Northern Ireland. Other locations include Rushmere in Craigavon, Newtownards, Newtownabbey, two in Belfast and one in Derry/Londonderry.