DEVELOPERS Westfield say their proposed John Lewis complex could be up and running by summer 2011 if it receives the same treatment from planners as the IKEA store at Hollywood Exchange.
Peter Miller of Westfield, Lisburn Mayor Ronnie Crawford, Gareth Thomas of John Lewis, Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson and Sam Harris from Snoddens pictured at the launch of the revised John Lewis plans in Lisburn Civic Centre.
Westfield, who staged a public exhibition of their plans at Lisburn Museum earlier this week, have called for a speedy full public inquiry into the project which they say will create around 2000 new jobs.
They told last week's launch of the revised proposals work started on the IKEA outlet eight months after the Swedish firm first sought permission to proceed.
The same timescale, they said, would allow work to begin at Sprucefield around May with completion two years later.
The developers made it clear they believed their proposed development would plug a gap in the Northern Ireland market through which a 'fair amount of retail leakage was occurring' to both the Republic and the rest of the UK.
This gap, they said, was created by the province's lack of a 'full line' department store and would be filled by the construction of a John Lewis.
They also made it clear they felt objectors to the scheme were acting out of short sighted selfish interests.
The company's Development Director Steven Hassel said the firm was committed to delivering the Sprucefield development and the "substantial economic and social benefits it would bring to Northern Ireland.
"This project has been subject to serious delay. It is a scheme of regional significance in Northern Ireland and we believe a public enquiry should be held as soon as possible so the community and economy can benefit from the enhanced retail offer provided by the scheme and the 2000 jobs that will be created," he continued.
Mr. Hassel said the involvement of John Lewis showed huge confidence in the future of shopping in Northern Ireland.
"Consumers should be encouraged we continue to receive considerable interest from other leading retailers keen to open at Sprucefield," he added.
The Director of Snoddons Construction, the firm responsible for constructing the complex if it receives the green light, said they were looking forward to taking the scheme forward.
Mr. Sam Harris said the revised proposals were 'a reflection of the feedback received in the previous application' and they had worked hard along with Westfield to "reflect the require ments of the community.
"The crucial aspect now is to progress this application as quickly as possible via a public inquiry which will ensure the benefits it will bring not only to Lisburn but to Northern Ireland as a whole in terms of retail offer and employment can be realised as soon as possible," he added.
