Coffee kiosk on Belfast waterfront seeks new operator

An operator is needed for a new coffee kiosk that is due to open on the Belfast waterfront this summer.

The Belfast Marine Trust says that it is looking for someone with the "right blend of taste, quality, products and commercial acumen" to takeover the kiosk which will be located on Queen’s Quay between the Odyssey Arena and the Lagan Weir pedestrian bridge.

The kiosk is a joint initiative between Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities and Maritime Belfast, and will provide two spaces for businesses, one for serving hot drinks and snacks, and one for souvenirs or artisan products such as breads, cheeses or arts and crafts.

Read more: Queens Quay in Titanic given green light for street trading

The trust has said that ideally one operator would run both spaces.

Kerrie Sweeney, CEO of Maritime Belfast, said: “Queen’s Quay was established in the 1840s as the harbour began to expand and became a bustling transportation hub. The railway lines from County Down terminated here and the nearby ferry stops transported shipyard workers across the harbour to work.

“In the past 20-years, however, the arrival of the Odyssey, Titanic Quarter and Titanic Belfast has transformed the area into the hub of Belfast’s entertainment and tourism scene. Thanks to Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities we now have a state-of-the-art kiosk to meet demand in this busy area which is integral to plans for the ongoing regeneration of Belfast’s waterfront.”

The Maritime Mile benefits from high levels of footfall, estimated at over three million annually, including leisure walkers, cyclists, workers, students, residents and visitors.

The new kiosk is also part of ongoing plans to develop Belfast’s historic waterfront as a vibrant and connected experience.

Jonathan Haughey from lettings agency, Lisney, which is marketing the new kiosk said:

“At a time when trading conditions have been difficult for the hospitality sector, this is a great opportunity to take advantage of an increasingly popular part of the city.

“Located on the Maritime Mile this promising location is attractive to both locals and visitors. All we need now is an operator with the right blend of taste, quality, products and commercial acumen who can showcase what’s great about this city.”

The kiosk includes awnings to provide shelter as well as display areas for artwork which will be lit up at night. It will be complemented with new planting and seating recently installed by Maritime Belfast. The charity has plans to further enhance the area as a key gateway on the Maritime Mile.

Further information is available from lisney.com.

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