Prominent retailers agree leases
IN what is viewed by the business community as a major boost for the city centre, it has emerged that two prominent retailers are about to set up base in prime locations….and other units have changed hands.
Edinburgh Woollen Mills and Allens Homeware of Kilkenny, have agreed leases for two unoccupied premises, on Bedford Row and William Street.
And in another development, an Italian restaurant is to open at the recently vacated Luigi Malones, on O’Connell Street.
Meanwhile, a large tiling retailer from Galway has taken a unit in the CityEast Business Park, on the Tipperary Road.
And when contacted, Rooney Auctioneers told the Limerick Post that they are locked in negotiations with a major retailer who has identified O’Connell Street as a possible location.
Allens of Kilkenny, have leased the former Sasha shop on William Street.
Edinburgh Woollen Mills will become the first tenants at the 18,000sq/ft redevelopment at the former Grand Central Cinema site on Bedford Row.
Spokesperson, Steve Simpson, said that the store would created 8-10 jobs, when it opens in the coming weeks.
“We saw Limerick as a fantastic city to spread our wings.
“A lot of city centres have died, but we believe in bringing people back into them.
“The surroundings of the original church on the site have a great synergy with our product”.
When asked to comment on the commercial property market, Pat Kearney of Rooney Auctioneers, confirmed that there had been a definite upswing in activity in retail in recent months.
“We’ve had great success in letting premises in Mungret Street and Denmark Street, and indeed, across the city”.
President of Limerick Chamber, Kieran McSweeney, told the Limerick Post:
“These are encouraging signs and give a vote of confidence to the city centre.
“It’s a reflection of the lower cost base, reduced rent and reduced operating costs”. However, he believes that many improvements can still be made to attract more retail.
“Rates remain too high and could be reduced further… this is a national problem not a local problem, and should be a major election issue.
“The city centre is still missing that elusive major anchor tenant which could be an attraction to other businesses”.
Caption
The building on Bedford Row that will be occupied by Edinburgh Woollen Mills
