Fashion retailer to relocate close to medieval castle

TK MAXX is set to relocate its business in Waterford near a medieval wall and castle in the city centre after a High Court ruling this summer meant that the company could no longer trade at the Butlerstown retail warehouse park on the outskirts of the city.

An Bord Pleanála last March ruled that TK Maxx was contravening planning regulations that allowed bulky goods only to be sold at the Butlerstown park.

The issue was referred to the board after Noel Frisby Construction, the owner of the Lisduggan Shopping Centre over two kilometres away, objected to the types of goods being sold at the park.

The High Court subsequently held that neither TK Maxx nor Mothercare were to be allowed to sell clothing and other items at the park and the company ceased trading there at the end of August.

The company had spent about €2 million in fitting out the 2,415 sq m (26,000 sq ft) store, which was rented from local businessman, Jim Treacy at €500,000 per annum.

Waterford County Council is said to be considering rezoning the park to allow companies like TK Maxx to trade in non-bulky goods there.

However, international fashion retailer TK Maxx is now set to relocate its Waterford outlet to Railway Square, near to medieval walls and a castle in the city centre.

According to a statement yesterday: “The retailer is taking 18,500 square feet, including the area occupied on a temporary basis by Penneys during the reconstruction of its Waterford store.”

Other units at the 1.29-acre Railway Square development, which was completed in 2007, are currently without tenants.

John Rohan, of Sherry Fitzgerald John Rohan, said: “The remaining Railway Square retail space is currently the only high quality newly-completed development of its scale in a city centre location which is available for immediate occupancy and we are talking to a number of very interested parties.”