Dobbies has confirmed it will close its garden centre at The Junction, Antrim at the end of October after notice was served by the retail park’s new owner as plans to redevelop the site advance.
Retail park changes prompt store closure
The Junction was recently acquired by Frasers Group from Lotus Property. In a statement accompanying the sale, the new ownership and its asset managers said they intend to develop the centre’s retail and leisure offering, and the decision by the landlord to move forward with redevelopment has led to the planned closure of Dobbies’ outlet.
Alastair Coulson, managing director at Lotus Property, paid tribute to Dobbies’ contribution since it opened in 2023 and framed the departure as part of a broader strategy for the site.
“Over the past three years, Dobbies has been a hugely valued presence at The Junction, and we are grateful for everything they have brought to the scheme and to the Antrim community,” the statement said.
Dobbies said the news is not a reflection of its wider trading performance. The retailer has indicated it will make further investment in its Lisburn store and is exploring redeployment opportunities for affected staff in Antrim.
Local impact and company response
Management at Dobbies emphasised the store built a loyal local customer base during its time at The Junction and expressed gratitude for the support of its partners and customers. The company cited the landlord’s redevelopment decision as the reason for closing the Antrim site.
- Closure date: end of October 2026
- Site owner: Frasers Group (acquired from Lotus Property)
- Dobbies’ plans: invest in Lisburn store; explore staff redeployment in Antrim
The retailer’s full comment underlined continued commitment to Northern Ireland while acknowledging the change in the local footprint.
“Northern Ireland remains important to Dobbies, and we are committed to serving customers in the region,” the company said.
What happens next at The Junction?
Frasers Group has not published detailed plans for The Junction’s redevelopment at this stage. Lotus Property’s statement suggested the new ownership and asset managers will devise proposals intended to enhance the scheme “for the benefit of shoppers, businesses and the wider community”.
Local shoppers and businesses will be watching for more information on the scale and timing of any redevelopment. Redevelopment of outlet and leisure parks can take many forms — from new retail concepts and leisure facilities to changes in layout and tenant mix — and often involves planning processes and consultations.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Store affected | Dobbies, The Junction, Antrim |
| Closure announced | 17 August 2026 |
| Planned closure date | End of October 2026 |
| Site owner | Frasers Group (acquired from Lotus Property) |
For staff at the Antrim branch, the announcement raises immediate practical concerns about employment and continuity of service. Dobbies has said it will explore redeployment at other stores where possible; the retailer has singled out Lisburn as the focus for further investment.
Community and civic leaders often seek assurances from landlords and incoming operators about how redevelopment will protect local jobs and maintain footfall. Any planning applications for significant redevelopment at The Junction would be scrutinised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and may prompt local consultation.
The departure of Dobbies marks a notable change in Antrim’s retail landscape. While the retailer points to continued investment elsewhere in Northern Ireland, residents who used the Junction garden centre will soon need to look to alternative outlets for plants, gardening supplies and seasonal merchandise.
Further announcements from Frasers Group and The Junction’s asset managers are expected as plans for the next phase of the retail and leisure park are developed and shared with the local community.
