A new retail park in Cork - Blackpool Park - is opening this November. The 11-acre site is beside the successful Blackpool Shopping Centre which has been trading since 2000.
Blackpool Park is being developed by the Cork-based Shipton Group and HOK is the selling agent for its 41,806 sq m (450,000 sq ft) of mixed-use space.
Phase one at Blackpool Park consists of 10,219 sq m (110,000 sq ft) of retail warehousing, a seven-screen cinema (a deal has already been agreed with a local operator for this), 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) of offices and car-parking for 900 cars.
The anchor store of 4,831 sq m (52,000 sq ft) including a garden centre has been pre-let to Atlantic Homecare at a rent believed to be €25 per sq ft - a strong rent for the area. An unusual aspect of this new retail park is its proximity - within walking distance - of the Blackpool Shopping Centre, which was also developed by the Shipton Group
The Blackpool Shopping Centre, a big success since its launch in 2000, includes an anchor Dunnes Stores outlet with 50 retail units including the likes of Sasha, Paco, McDonald's, Mexx and Jean Scene. Normally retail parks are further away from traditional shopping centres.
Blackpool Park will be accessed off the Blackpool bypass.
According to the developer, phase two at the park is expected to include 8,361 sq m (90,000 sq ft) of offices and 2,322 sq m (25,000 sq ft) of retail fashion space. Twenty-eight apartments are also included the development, as is a 2.5-acre park which will be handed over to the city upon completion.
