Shopping centre bids to attract cross-border trade

A new €125m shopping centre in Dundalk will attract large numbers of shoppers from both sides of the border, it was claimed today.

The Marshes development, which is being funded by Ulster Bank, is providing 350,000 sq ft of retail space, with a total of 42 units for a range of chain stores and local independent shops.

The centre has a 105,000 sq ft Dunnes Stores and a 70,000 sq ft Penneys, along with shops such as Virgin, Boots and New Look.

Henry Elvin, Head of Corporate and Property banking in Ulster Bank, said he believed The Marshes had the potential to draw large numbers of shoppers from the North and the South.

“We share the belief that Dundalk’s strategic location on the north-south axis between Belfast and Dublin will be fully exploited now that the transport links have been completed.

“The catchment area for Dundalk is realistically three million – more than half the population of the island of Ireland – so the potential for The Marshes is very strong indeed.

“As the funder, Ulster Bank is delighted to have been involved in the scheme since its inception as it represents a major urban regeneration for Dundalk town centre,” Mr Elvin said.

A spokeswoman for the development, which first opened its doors last week, said it had already had a very successful opening with the centre packed by shoppers.

She added that half the shops were already open and it was hoped the remaining units would be up and running before Christmas.