DEVELOPMENT WORK is to start immediately on a new urban and retail enclave in the centre of Mullingar following the granting of planning permission by An Bord Pleanála. The €200 million scheme by the locally based Bennett Developments is due to be completed in the spring of 2011.
It will have 22,000sq m (236,808sq ft) of shopping facilities, 84 residential units, 645sq m (6,943sq ft) of offices, a cultural building, cinema, medical centre, restaurants/cafés and 1,400 car-parking spaces.
Bennett was chosen as the preferred developer of Mullingar Central by Westmeath Co Council following a design competition aimed at rejuvenating the Blackhall area of the town. Architects Building Design Partnership handled the design of the new complex which will have a mix of architectural styles and provide an interesting extension to the town. This will be achieved by creating open streets rather than a conventional enclosed shopping centre.
Eugene Moore of Bennett Developments said their aim was to create a sustainable urban quarter within the town to act as a catalyst for further investment in Mullingar. The scheme was designed as an organic continuation of the town centre. "Linkages were an integral part of the design and the scheme knits well with the established urban fabric. The purpose is not to detract from the existing streets but to increase the attractions of Mullingar as a town in which to live and shop."
Larry Brennan of letting agent Savills HOK said the planning permission had been a long time coming and would be welcomed by a range of traders who had expressed an interest in Mullingar Central.
Bennett is likely to target Tesco as anchor tenant for two adjoining stores that can be combined or let separately. The multiple trades out of a relatively small store in the town.
Dunnes Stores is the major attraction in Harbour Place shopping centre and the other major retail offering is provided by the Fairgreen centre where Penneys is the dominant anchor and trades alongside M&S and New Look. The population of Mullingar has grown rapidly in recent years in common with many towns within commuting distance of Dublin.
