Revealed: Penneys plans major expansion in Cork 

The store will not close during the expansion, which will take place on a phased basis

Penneys on St Patrick's Street, Cork. The store has major plans for expanding its offering at the block it occupies. Picture: Dan Linehan

After a year of retail devastation, Cork City centre is set for a significant boost following confirmation that Penneys is planning a major expansion of its St Patrick St store.

The fast fashion retailer has confirmed to the Irish Examiner that, pending a successful planning outcome, it intends to increase its retail space by almost 50%, adding 17,000sq ft to its existing 37,000sq ft.