Quinnsworth linked with separate development near Dunnes Stores
March 20 1996
Superstore plan earmarked for 1997 start
Tom Kelly Reports
A multi-million pounds expansion plan of Dunnes Stores in Castlebar will not proceed until early 1997.
Speculation had been mounting that work on the project would get underway within the next number of months. But confirmation has now been given that the development will not now commence until next year.The good news, however, is that the proposal has been given the go-ahead by the leading supermarket chain owners. It is understood the contract to transform the centre into one of the most modern shopping complexes in the county is being awarded to Mountain View Securities, Castlebar.
A number of preliminary stages of the development need to be completed before construction work can start. An extensive area of the existing car park will be converted into shopping space with new parking facilities being provided on an adjoining site, known locally as Hopkins Field. The site in question was sold to Mountain View Securities by Castlebar Urban Council a number of weeks ago.
The development, when completed, will transform the area in question with the main entrance facing onto the new N5 distributary road. The planning application for the project is now being drafted and it is expected to be lodged with Castlebar Urban Council within the next three months.
There was fresh speculation last night that Quinnsworth, another major supermarket chain, were considering a separate shopping development in the vicinity of the site in question.
Meanwhile, the sale of Hoban's car park to a leading Castlebar contracting
firm has cleared the way for another major development in a prime shopping
area.
The final touches are also being put to an elaborate plan to build a major
extension to the Bank of Ireland at the rear of Ellison Street, facing on to
the proposed new Dunnes Stores extension.
Connaught Telegraph - News - Mar 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sports - Mar 1996
