A Co Down shopping centre has issued a final call for local businesses to be part of the latest phase of its redevelopment plans, which includes an indoor market.
The Flagship Centre is inviting those interested in hosting one of 33 stalls in the centre to get in touch by the end of this week.
The new plans will see the market located beside the recently announced food market.
Read more: Bangor Flagship: First look inside city's planned new food market
Situated on Bangor's Main Street, the popular complex was bought by local man Ricky McLarnon and his company Brookland Property in a multi-million-pound deal last year and has been vacant since it closed in 2019.
Mr McLarnon has said he plans to reopen the centre in phases and has announced the most recent phase will include an indoor market for businesses.
Announcing the news on social media in June, Mr McLarnon said the new indoor market promises to be "extremely affordable and very low risk for small businesses".
It will offer short term lease options and the all-inclusive monthly fee will cover rent, rates, service charges, building insurance and electricity, which will be capped at a certain amount agreed to upon signing.
Applications for the market stalls are closing this Friday, with 33 stalls available for local traders and micro businesses to make the step up from the market circuits to trying out a permanent unit.
In a statement this week, Mr McLarnon said: "Everyone who signed up to receive more information on the indoor market should now have an email in their inbox (check your Junk folder if you can't see it)
"The email has all the information you need plus a link to the application form - interested traders should submit their application by Friday 26th August!
"Interested traders can apply here. Set a reminder in your calendar, we've had so many enquiries and there are only a limited number of stalls available. Don't miss out!"
Speaking previously about his plans for the indoor market, Mr McLarnon explained: "Our aim for the indoor market is that it will be packed full of creative home-grown small or micro-businesses.
"We're not looking for hot food outlets (that's what the food market will be for) - think arts, crafts, home-baked goods etc.
"We're sure lots of businesses were created during lockdown and have continued to grow over the last 2 years, this is the perfect space for you! Each self-contained unit will have its own lockable door and shutters, giving you flexibility.
"The market will provide an amazing city-centre location with a low cost monthly fee and the added benefit of the traders around you.
"We are planning to launch the indoor market around the same time as the food market (subject to planning)."
Meanwhile, the Flagship's car park recently opened for the first time since it closed and went into administration in 2019 to facilitate those attending the city's Open House Festival.
The car park will be open again this coming Saturday, August 27th from 10am - 6pm for those heading to Bangor for the Royal Black Institution's Last Saturday parade and on Wednesday, 31st August for Snow Patrol's acoustic gig at the McKee Clock area.
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