The zoning on the Heiton Buckley site will allow it to be redeveloped for retail warehousing but it may also be of interest to German discounters Aldi and Lidl as well as motor sales companies

A COMMERCIAL site of over five acres close to Galway city centre is to be offered for sale following a decision by builders' providers group Heiton Buckley to relocate from their long standing premises at Wellpark.

Ben Pearson of Bogle Estates is suggesting a price of over €15 million for the site of 2.056 hectares (5.082 acres) at Monavea Road in Wellpark which is to be sold by private treaty.

Pearson said it was extremely rare for a site of this size and importance to come on the market so close to the city centre.

The zoning will allow it to be redeveloped for retail warehousing but it may also be of interest to German discounters Aldi and Lidl as well as motor sales companies.

Part of the land is opposite Wellpark Retail Park which has access difficulties and where the tenants include Atlantic Homecare and PC World.

The G Hotel and a cinema complex are also on that site.

The Heiton Buckley facility is also a short distance from the proposed Crown Retail Park where developer Padraic Rhatigan has planning permission for an anchor store of 4,645sq m (50,000sq ft) which is due to be let to a DIY trader and a further 18,580sq m (200,000sq ft) in three separate blocks.

That 12-acre site was originally owned by three partners and Mr Rhatigan bought out the interests of the other two.

Heiton Buckley plan to lease back the Wellpark facility for 18 months at a rent of €100,000 per annum.

The company has extensive showrooms and warehouse facilities on the site while a sister company, Sam Hire, also trades there from a showrooms and warehouse.

Bogle Estates says that, with the Wellpark area undergoing rapid redevelopment, there were likely to be several parties interested in the Heiton Buckley site.