Green light for €100m town retail development

A TOTAL of 400 jobs are to be created by a €100 million retail scheme which was approved yesterday by Mallow Town Council.

Alchemy Properties has been given the green light to proceed with a giant retail centre at West End.

Alchemy Properties managing director Michael Hogan said the development would provide a major boost to the local economy by attracting around 70,000 shoppers per week.

The plan, which was originally submitted to the town council in July 2005, includes conventional retailing and retail warehousing, offices, leisure facilities, restaurants, pubs and residential units. It will also include improvements to the local road network, and provide parking for over 1,000 cars.

The site is partly occupied by a 4HOME Superstore/Home and Garden outlet, which is set to be expanded.

Mr Hogan said it was anticipated that work on the project would get underway before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Mallow received another boost yesterday when it was announced that Cork County Council had given permission for a major development at Cork Racecourse.

A new single-storey pavilion will be constructed with function rooms, bar and kitchen. The project also involves the erection of a covered walkway and decking.