IlacCentre: So what does the redevelopment mean for the area and for shoppers?

Architectural changes aren't the only ones taking place at the Ilac Centre. As with any facelift, there will undoubtedly be some natural wastage and, if this includes some of centre's smaller tenants, it's hard to see the owners being too upset.

Small traders are few and far between in the city's more modern shopping centres and, if Ilac wants to compete on the same scale as these and take advantage of its prime shopping location, then it's going to have to do something about its shop mix.

At an average of 139sq m (1,500sq ft), the Ilac units are too small for many modern retailers, who are generally looking for around 465sq m (5,000sq ft). To accommodate such needs, Ilac's owners are seeking to take control of some prime sites within the centre and combine them to improve its offering. Some smaller traders will fall by the wayside when pending rent reviews include a commitment to upgrade the shop frontages.

The arrival of H&M in Ilac last autumn was significant. Located just down from the Zara concession in Roches Stores and not far from Arnotts, with its contemporary clothing offering, the Swedish chain has helped attract more younger shoppers to the area.

According to Frank Martin, head of asset management for Joe O'Reilly, one of the centre's co-owners, Ilac is currently marketing the units between Zara and H&M with a view to combining them and creating another large retail outlet. It is likely that another clothing retailer could be attracted to the area, creating a small hub of such outlets.

The situation is similar in other parts of the centre. The creation of a food court is not on the Ilac agenda, but the owners are looking to focus one mall within the centre on food. O'Brien's Sandwich Bars and a bagel shop are already marking the territory and more such outlets are expected to be added to McDonalds and Burger King as the centre finds its 21st century feet.

The recent sale of Roches to UK department store Debenhams may also be a positive for Ilac, bringing not only a well-known brand into the centre, but also one with its own successful clothing range. Already several news shops, including Game and Imaginarium, have agreed to move in to the centre before Christmas and more are expected to follow.

HWBC, responsible for letting units within Ilac, has reported a significant increase in interest from outsiders looking for space in the centre. One person familiar with the situation said the increased attention has been evident over the past nine months since the results of the refurbishment have become more apparent. The attempts to increase the sizes of shop units has also been welcomed by some retailers.

The refurbishment is also seen as good news for the area. There's no doubt that new tenants bring new customers and it's hoped that this will in turn boost spending in the centre and its environs. While Ilac may have temporarily slipped off the radar of many shoppers, if its owners get their way, this won't be the case for long.