RetailSector: Ratoath, close to the Dublin-Meath border, is on a roll. The former village is rapidly becoming a thriving town as hundreds of new homes are completed each year for Dublin commuters who value the peace and tranquillity of living in the country.
Apart from the large number of families who have already moved into new housing estates, the village has also become a focal point for hundreds of others living in north Dublin and south Meath who prefer to shop and socialise locally rather than travel into Dublin city.
That has created a demand for additional shops and restaurants which have just become available on the letting market in what promises to be an attractive neighbourhood shopping centre at the front of the Corballis Demesne housing development.
Navan estate agent T&J Gavigan Real Estate Alliance and the Dunshaughlin-based company Sherry FitzGerald Sherry are launching a marketing campaign for the retail centre which will have seven shops and two spacious first floor restaurants.
A Spar convenience store operator was first off the mark by taking one of the anchor units;also quick off the mark was a leading Chinese/Thai restaurateur who has leased one of the units. A third premises has been let to a children's shoe retailer.
The remaining units will suit a range of businesses, including a bank or a building society which could avail of the central space of 173sq m (1,865sq ft).
Other available units will range from 68-80sq m (731-865sq ft) and would suit a flower shop, an off-licence, ladies or gents fashion, children's clothing, a video shop and a pharmacy. Rents for the units will start at €30,000 per annum and long term leases will be offered to tenants.
Like all schemes completed by Eugene Renehan's Walthill Properties, the Ratoath complex has been finished to a high standard. Walthill is in the property business for the long haul.
