A Walk Down Memory Lane: CastleCourt's 35th Anniversary Celebration
It was on 19 April 1990 thatCastleCourt Shopping Centrefirst opened its doors on Royal Avenue, quickly becoming a go-to spot for both locals and visitors in the heart of Belfast.
Cherished Memories and Resilience
Over the past 35 years, generations have spent countless afternoons wandering through its shops, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply enjoying a day out under its glass roof. While the city has seen plenty of change since then – from the arrival of Victoria Square to the rise of online shopping –CastleCourthas remained a firm favourite. Today, it’s home to a wide range of retailers, the popular Avenue Cinema, and plenty of places to eat, offering something for everyone. The closure of Debenhams, which once spanned three floors, marked the end of an era and left a noticeable gap. But CastleCourt has shown real resilience, adapting to the times and welcoming new retailers into the space. To mark 35 years at the heart of Belfast’s retail scene, we’re taking a look back to the 90s with a gallery of images celebrating the history, the changes, and the memories made insideCastleCourt. CastleCourt as seen from Royal Avenue with Virgin Megastore on the corner Virgin Megastore at CastleCourt Some of the first shoppers through the doors when it opened on 19 April 1990 CastleCourt as viewed from Royal Avenue Shoppers gather outside ahead of the opening of CastleCourt Downtown Radio host a roadshow from the centre opening CastleCourt as viewed from Royal Avenue with a security barrier in front A young child looks at the watches in the window of Ratners jewellers Shoppers queue outside ahead of the opening of CastleCourt Inside CastleCourt on opening day Former Lord Mayor of Belfast Reg Empey pictured on the opening day of CastleCourt Former Lord Mayor of Belfast Reg Empey shown around CastleCourt on opening day CastleCourt busy with shoppers in the 90s CastleCourt busy with shoppers in the 90s CastleCourt under construction as viewed from Millfield A site visit during the construction of CastleCourt CastleCourt entrance at Berry Street CastleCourt at night