29 July 1998

MAJOR RETAIL INVESTMENTS FOR CASTLEBAR AND WESTPORT

By TOM KELLY

Extensive shopping developments have been announced for two Mayo towns.

One of Castlebar 's most progressive business families are scheduled to hold talks with local Urban Council officials with a view to building a retail commercial complex at the rear of Main Street.

The Staunton family unveiled plans to construct the multi-million-pounds project on the site of the former shopping arcade, previously owned by Mr. Paddy McGuinness, and the nearby Brownville Flats.

The major development will also house office accommodation and apartments on the first floor.

Mr. Pat Staunton, on behalf of the family, confirmed the proposal. He said full details of their plans could not be announced until the planning application was lodged with Castlebar Urban Council.

Westport has also been earmarked for a large town centre development estimated in the region of £1m.

Leading Mayo development company, Mountain View Securities, have acquired an extensive property at Bridge Street for the project.

The Castlebar-based firm completed the purchase of the Anchor Buildings from local man, Mr. Hugh O'Malley, for a sum close to £500,000.

Now the company have plans to transform the 6,000sq. feet site into an ultra modern shopping mall and exclusive restaurant. There will be direct access from the facility to the new carpark at James Street.

Mountain View Securities have been responsible for revolutionising the shopping structure in Castlebar over the past number of years.

They were the contractors appointed to the construction of the new Dunnes Stores complex, as well as the centre shared by Penney's and Super Valu in the county town.

It is understood the company is involved in talks to bring another major supermarket chain to Castlebar in the coming months. The firm owns an extensive site at Knockcroghery on which planning permission is in place for the major store. An announcement on the matter is expected to be made within the coming weeks.

Now Mountain View Securities's move into Westport is viewed as significant because of their extensive contacts in the commercial and retail trade.

But a spokesman for the company denied they had plans for a supermarket project in the seaside town.

A planning application will be lodged with Westport Urban Council in the coming weeks for the Anchor Buildings project. The buildings already house three existing business outlets.

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - July 1998