“It will contribute to the diversification of city centre activity”
A Belfast shopping centre has hopes of opening a new aquarium-themed visitor attraction to complement its retail offering.
Victoria Square Shopping Centre has submitted a proposal to Belfast City Council to transform two vacant units into a new visitor space, “diversifying the offer” within the centre.
The plans propose a change of use of two previous restaurants, TGI Fridays and Frankie and Benny’s, to an “integrated digital technology aquarium themed” entertainment visitor attraction venue.
READ MORE: The 10 ‘landmark’ lettings secured in Victoria Square this yearREAD MORE: There’s a new unique and immersive Christmas Grotto experience in Belfast
Located on the top level of the shopping centre, the Design and Access statement outlines the combination and extension of the two units to create a unique offering for Victoria Square.
The plans read: “The proposal seeks to bring the currently unoccupied units back into active use, diversifying the offer within the shopping centre and contributing to the continued vibrancy of Belfast city centre.
“The proposed visitor attraction use complements the established retail, restaurant, and leisure functions within Victoria Square.
“It will contribute to the diversification of city centre activity, aligning with the aims of the Belfast City Centre Regeneration and Investment Strategy (CCRIS), which encourages a broader mix of uses to support day and evening economy activity.”
If approved, the visitor centre plans will add to the successful year for Victoria Square, which welcomed ten ‘landmark’ lettings in 2025 – including a number of firsts for Northern Ireland.
LEGO, Bershka, Astrid & Miya, Loake Shoemarkers and Kirspy Kreme all selected Victoria Square as the home for their first locations in the country, reinforcing its position as one of Northern Ireland’s premier shopping destinations.
In 2026, Indian chain Mowgli Street Food and global make-up giant Sephora have also confirmed they will open at the centre.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter
