Penneys' Patrick St plan a positive proposition for Cork city centre

Business leaders in Cork have welcomed revised expansion plans submitted for Penneys’ Patrick Street shop, calling for the development to happen quickly.

The new proposal for the city centre premises is for a 6,000sq ft extension, significantly less than the 17,000sq ft originally envisaged when the company sought planning permission five years ago.

The development would bring several long-vacant units back into use, including the former Jack & Jones shop on Patrick Street, along with a vacant unit at No 1 Cook St.

These, along with the neighbouring Flying Tiger outlet, are set to be incorporated into the enlarged Penneys.

The proposal makes provision for the store to remain open during the redevelopment project, which Penneys hopes to commence in the autumn, pending a successful planning outcome.

Redrawing

The new application is a substantial redrawing of what was originally planned when Penneys first sought permission to expand its premier Cork shop in 2021.

That €60m project, which took two years to get through the planning system, was subsequently put on hold.

At the time, Penneys said that planning delays and rising construction costs had impacted its decision.

President of the Cork Business Association, Dave O’Brien, told The Echo he hopes that the Pennys redevelopment project can now move along swiftly.

“What we want to see is a development happening,” he said.

“OK, it mightn’t be at the size that it was. But it is still going to be at a decent scale to improve that area.

“So, we would be very positive that it would be good for the city. But also, we just want it to happen quickly.”

Reacting to the revised Pennys proposal, CEO Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy, told The Echo it is at a prime location and a key focal point in the city centre.

Footfall

“It would certainly help to grow footfall across the city,” said Mr Healy.

“That always has a knock-on benefit then in terms of other businesses, retail and hospitality, in the city centre. It is very important the potential there is maximised.

“So, it is positive that the project is moving forward again. We will be anxious to see developments taking place and the area being brought back into full retail use.”

Fintan Costello, head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Our plans are focused on creating a modern, transformed flagship store for our customers and colleagues, improving the shopping and instore experience, while bringing fresh energy and footfall to Cork city centre.”