The former home of a multicultural centre in south Belfast targeted in a series of arson attacks is to reopen in the coming weeks as a supermarket.
The home of the Belfast Multicultural Association (BMCA) on Donegall Pass was targeted in two separate hate crime incidents in 2021 and 2022, with the organisation saying it would never return to the building, which was put up for sale in 2023.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher later admitted the force had let the charity down in its response to the arson attacks, after two people were arrested but not charged over the incidents.
The building has since been sold and new proprietor Ahmed Ali, a Bangladeshi native who moved to Belfast in 2005, is to open a new multicultural supermarket there in the coming weeks.
He said the building was in poor condition when he took it over nine months ago.
“The place was in a very bad condition, it has taken a long time to get ready,” Mr Ali told the Irish News.
“I have been working 10 hours a day on my own and have had lots of help. So it’s taken a long time to get here and we hope to open very soon.
“We’d like to welcome all people, we are very helpful and friendly and we have plans to help the local community.”
Several Muslim-owned businesses were attacked nearby in a series of race riots in Belfast in the summer of 2024, with more than 40 people arrested and 33 charged with numerous offences by police.
Asked if he is fearful of any further attacks on the building as he opens his doors to the public, Mr Ali said that wasn’t the case.
“No, not really. I came to Belfast in 2005, I have some family here. I like Belfast and Belfast people,” he said.
“We have been in here for the last eight or nine months getting it ready, but there has not been any trouble.
“People here are very nice and I have not had any issue.
“There are many businesses on this road, there are Chinese businesses, an Indian shop, I don’t feel as if there is any problem here.”
The business owner says his supermarket will provide food and goods from all corners of the world, and that he will open his doors to anyone.
“Since I came here in 2005, I have met lots of people and have lots of friends here.
“Every country everywhere has some bad people, but I’ve never had any issue. Not all people are like that.
“I will be a friendly person to everyone who comes in here.”
