Shopping CentresDunnes Stores has signed up to anchor the €120 million district shopping centre at Colpe Cross in south Drogheda which will serve the growing population in the east Meath area.

The open streetscape centre will include 20 retail units plus a bar, restaurants, coffee shops, medical centre and a gym. Units will range in size from 35-250sq m (377-2,691sq ft).

"We have significant interest from a variety of potential occupiers. There will be opportunities for fashion, pharmacy, cafés, restaurants, hair and beauty salon to provide a comprehensive shopping destination," says Stephen Murray of Jones Lang LaSalle whose retail agency is leasing the units.

The 17,000sq m (182,986sq ft) development is being built by Rockmill Ltd, a company controlled by Shannon Homes (Drogheda) Ltd, which is owned by Phil Reilly.

Construction of the centre began in June and is due to be completed in November 2008.

As well as the shopping facilities, the development will include 4,180sq m (45,000sq ft) of office space, which is capable of sub-division, a medical centre, and gym plus six own-door office units.

There will be parking for over 700 cars.

The area has seen considerable residential development, with 1,040 homes built by Shannon Homes in the adjoining Grange Rath development. Colpe Cross will also include 62 new apartments.

Phil Reilly of Shannon Homes said: "We are extremely pleased to have Dunnes Stores as the anchor in the development. Its well known food, textile and homeware products will be complemented by a mix of retail shops, office and leisure uses, which will all go to making the area a great place in which to shop, work and live."

The centre is being built by John Sisk & Sons.