BCF Lending has provided a €9.25 million loan for the expansion of The Quays shopping centre in Newry.

The facility will fund redevelopment work including a new food court and additional retail units.

Belfast Commercial Funding was established by Gareth Graham to provide finance to smaller businesses.

The Quays serves customers from both sides of the border and lies on the route between Dublin and Belfast.

Tom Coughlan of developer UGP said the loan gives a platform for future growth.

Graham said the lender focuses on projects with long-term potential and can respond quickly to commercial needs.

The company operates across Ireland and targets borrowers committed to project delivery.