CORK’S RETAIL trade is set for a welcome boost with the confirmation that pharmacy chain Boots and fashion retailer Next will take up holdings in new retail developments in the city centre.
Next joins Topshop and H&M in confirming its intention to take over a 2,044sq m (22,000sq ft) holding space in Owen O’Callaghan’s Opera Lane project in Cork, the first new retail street to be developed in the city for 200 years. Boots will take a flagship holding in the neighbouring Half Moon Street retail development, occupying 3,716sq m (40,000sq ft), which represents almost half of the total floor space of 9,290sq m (100,000sq ft).
The store will be Boots’ second largest in the country and the company plans to keep both its Patrick Street and Merchants Quay stores open, in addition to opening the new flagship premises. Boots are now advertising for some 50 staff for the new premises, with team managers and shop assistants required for healthcare, photo services and beauty sales.
Designed by Wilson Architecture, the Half Moon Street development fronts out to the river Lee at Lavitt’s Quay at its northern end, stretching back to the corner of Paul Street and Emmet Place.
O’Callaghan Properties managing director Owen O’Callaghan said the signing of contracts with Next and Boots represents a major endorsement of Cork’s retail trade.
Opera Lane will see the addition of over 18,580sq m (200,000sq ft) of retail space to the city centre and the project includes construction of 61 apartments above the shopping centre. The Half Moon Street project will bring an additional 9,290sq m of retail and 2,601sq m (28,000sq ft) of office space. Over 1,800 full-time and part-time jobs will be created within the retail and office complexes. A large portion of the materials and labour for the project are being sourced locally.