THE leading US fashion multiple, Next, is to open a large store at the Jervis Shopping Centre in the centre of Dublin. The company will occupy a 5,000-square-foot unit in a pivotal position with frontage on to Mary Street and the entrance mall. It will adjoin the department store being opened by Debenhams. Next, which is likely to be paying a rent of £250,000, has five other outlets in the Republic including one in Grafton Street.

One of the anchor tenants, Quinnsworth, is due to begin fitting out its 35,000-square-foot store in the next week, the first tenant to do so. The centre opens for business next October and at this stage less than 15 per cent of the 300,000 square feet of retail space is still available, according to Aidan O'Hogan of Hamilton Osborne King. Negotiations are at an advanced stage for three other large lettings including two which will be occupied by major multiples.

Terms have been agreed with Fields jewellers to take a 1,000-square-foot unit on the entrance mall at a rent of around £90,000. Costello Commercial acted for Fields. At first floor level, Regis, trading as Trade Secret, is to occupy a shop of 1,250 square feet for its hair products. The rent will be around £50,000. Also at this level, Jean Scene, a Scottish chain, has taken 3,000 square feet at a rent of £85,000.