Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has approved submission of a pre-application notice for redevelopment at Sprucefield shopping centre.

The proposal from Marks and Spencer Scottish Ltd Partnership seeks to divide the former Mothercare unit into two smaller units.

The store closed in early 2020 after the UK division entered administration.

Councillor Jonathan Craig said Marks and Spencer has been one of the most successful stores in the UK and welcomed the plan to bring new occupiers to the site.

A company spokesperson stated the changes aim to attract a wider range of retailers and increase customer choice.

A public consultation drop-in session is scheduled for 16 June at the Sprucefield site between 3pm and 7pm.

A full planning application may follow from 27 July.