Go ahead for €200 million Irish retail scheme

The €200 million (£157m) Central Mullingar scheme in Mullingar will comprise shops as well as residential units, offices, a cultural building and leisure facilities.

The 387 500 sq ft scheme won planning from Westmeath County Council this week, and will include 237,000 sq ft of retail, 84 residential units, 6,900 sq ft of offices, a cinema, parking, a medical centre and restaurants and cafes.

Catalyst

Eugene Moore, managing director of Bennett Developments, said: ‘The aim was to create a sustainable urban quarter within the town along with the largest retail centre in the Midlands which will act as a catalyst for further investment in Mullingar and benefit the community as a whole.’

Mullingar based company Bennett Developments was chosen as preferred developer for the scheme by Westmeath County Council following a design competition to rejuvenate the Blackhall area in the centre of town.

The scheme was designed by Building Design Partnership. Work on Central Mullingar will commence immediately with completion planned for Spring 2011.