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News item

8 November 2005

CACI, the UK’s leading retail analysis company and acknowledged by the property sector as the industry expert in factory outlet centres, has confirmed that Junction One is the number one outlet centre in Ireland.  Ranked in terms of shopper population and size of centre, Junction One maintains its top place in the premier league of outlet centres throughout the island.

Forming part of CACI’s comprehensive survey “Retail Footprint Ireland”, launched at the BCSC Conference in Belfast, the outlet table is based on future projections for the sector in Ireland and includes all centres existing and planned.  On completion of its current extension in Autumn 2006 Junction One will be 305,000 sq ft featuring 88 units and 10 restaurants, well ahead of the proposed centres in Banbridge, Dundalk and Kildare.

Welcoming the news, Junction One Director, John Drummond said, “We are delighted that Junction One has maintained its position at the top of the league given the expanding nature of the outlet sector even since last year with the inclusion of a number of proposed developments.  The results also confirm that our decision to locate in Antrim was absolutely correct both strategically and with the excellent relationship we enjoy with Antrim town.”

“Junction One hit the ground running in May 2004, fully let and with a waiting list of tenants.  Since opening through pro-active asset management we have continued to enhance the tenant mix adding signature brands such as Nike, Austin Reed, Samsonite and Thornton’s.  Phase II will complete our total projected size of 305,000 sq ft and already over 50% of available units are let, in solicitor’s hands or reserved for clients.  Stead and Simpson were the first to exchange for Phase II which is set to open in Autumn 2006.”

Hamid Raja, Nike Retail Operations Director UK, who opened a 9,000 sq ft store just four weeks ago at Junction One said, “At every stage, from the negotiations, through the design, construction and fitting out, merchandising, marketing and opening it’s been a true team effort.  This has resulted in record sales levels – in our first week of opening we exceeded our budget by over 100% -and the long term growth potential is looking excellent.”

“CACI’s detailed analysis confirms the success already being enjoyed by our existing tenants and reflects our ongoing research into the customer market.  We know that Junction One is, and will continue to be, the dominant factory outlet centre for the whole of Ireland both in size and tenant line-up and recent tenant announcements by the competition further underline this,” concluded Mr Drummond.

In addition to the extensive retail offer Junction One has just opened a new food and Adventure Island complex, including over 8,000 sq ft of children’s interior and exterior play zones with crèche facilities.