THIS
week’s announcement that M&S is set to open a flagship store on the site of the former Parkway Valley development has generated varying reactions among the city’s public representatives and business community.
Limerick Chamber welcomed the move, which it said would “contribute to an enhanced retail provision in the region and reinforce Limerick as the largest retail centre in the Mid West”.
However, Chamber CEO Maria Kelly said that the right location for the retail chain would be in Limerick city centre.
“It is important to highlight that any development in the Parkway Valley is subject to planning consent and we understand that significant hurdles need to be overcome before anything can happen.”
“With all the positive developments that are happening in Limerick, Marks & Spencer are right to be looking at locating a flagship store here but the right strategic move would be for M&S to locate in the city centre.”
Ms Kelly pointed out that until the recent plans to develop Arthur’s Quay were finalised, the city did not have a suitable location to accommodate the retail chain.
She concluded: “Limerick is an up and coming city that is going through an exciting transformation, we have a new and engaged management team in our joint local authority and an ambitious economic masterplan that sets out a vision for Limerick to 2030.
“Therefore the Chamber would welcome and invite M&S to review all viable and potentially more attractive city centre sites in informing their locational decision.”
Retail Excellence Ireland said it was disappointed that the flagship store will not be in Limerick city centre.
REI Chief Executive David Fitzsimons said he hoped that M&S would change its plans.
He added: “There are significant plans in place to revive Limerick City, including the redevelopment of the Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre which will provide adequate space for retailers requiring a large retail footprint.
“Limerick, like many towns and cities, has experienced significant out of town development and a town and city centre first approach is a priority. Retailers like M&S would add greatly to the city retail mix and we very much hope that the retailer reconsiders their plans.”
Meanwhile, city councillor Joe Leddin said the decision was “a massive vote of confidence in Limerick and indeed the Mid West region providing a massive boost to the retail sector”.
Regarding its location, the Labour councillor believes that there is “a huge opportunity” to locate the 72,000 square foot site in the city centre.
“The redevelopment of the city depends on private sector investment and now we have a multinational retailer committed to Limerick. The recently published GVA report identified the area around and including Arthurs Quay Park as a prime site totally underdeveloped.
He concluded: “The problem with locating large retail operations in the city is the lack of suitably sized units or buildings. Securing agreement from existing landowners in partnership with City Council and private investors may present an opportunity to redevelop this area of the city.”
