Credit union quits shopping centre for former offices

Operations at one of Cork’s largest credit unions are moving back to its former premises today just a few years after they relocated to a new outlet across the road.

Tue, 11 Jun, 2013 - 01:00

Eoin English

The board of Ballincollig Credit Union has confirmed it still faces rent payments on the office it is vacating.

However, it is in negotiations with the landlord of the outlet in Ballincollig Shopping Centre with a view to exiting a 20-year lease arrangement.

It said it plans to use the shopping centre outlet for certain back-office functions pending the outcome of the negotiations.

Most of the branch’s operations were transferred over the weekend back to its Harrington St office, which it owns and which have undergone extensive refurbishment.

It is due to open to customers from 9.30am today.

Recently appointed general manager Sarah Kidney explained the relocation. “It was a difficult decision to leave [the shopping centre] but it was ultimately a business decision,” she said.

“There is mixed opinion about the move but the board decided from a practical point of view that only one premises was needed.

“We own the building on Harrington St. It is a much bigger premises.”

She said the relocation will bring all of its member service areas, its storage space, and meeting rooms back under one roof.

“The premises have been fully renovated, and now include a much improved counter area with privacy, which is a priority for our members.”

Ms Kidney said the board is in active discussions with the landlord of the shopping centre outlet with a view to exiting the lease arrangement it entered when it located there about eight years ago.