Re: Re: well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?

Article in the Limerick Leader about the new M+S at the Crescent shopping centre.

M&S to anchor new extension at the Crescent

LIMERICK’S first Marks and Spencer outlet will create a staggering 400 new jobs, it has been confirmed.
Last week the company announced plans to open a mammoth 110,000 square feet store as part of a proposed extension to the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle.

The store is due to open in the autumn of 2009, subject to planning permission.For the past 20 years speculation has been rife as to whether or not the UK retail giant, famous for its food hall, would come to Limerick.

A host of potential development sites in the city centre and elsewhere had previously been suggested, but the company have now agreed legal terms to anchor the planned new section of the Crescent.

Jenny Mulholland, Head of Property Planning for Ireland at Marks & Spencer, spoke of her delight at the prospect of finally opening a store in the city: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first store in Limerick. I have been searching for a suitable location for four years now, and we’ve seen countless presentations for various sites. But we’re delighted at the prospect of opening this store, which will be our biggest in the west of Ireland, at a location as successful as the Crescent.”

The flagship store will include a wide range of fashion across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, as well as home and furniture products. It will also boast a large food hall offering a comprehensive range of M&S food and wine, which will be complemented by a café and a deli bar.

“The store will open under Marks & Spencer’s signature style with contemporary interior design, bright lighting, easy to navigate walkways and spacious fitting rooms,” Ms Mulholland added. “We know that we already have many loyal customers in the Limerick area and we can’t wait to get started on their brand-new flagship store.”

– By Gerard Fitzgibbon