Shopping CentresDunnes Stores has just opened a top class store in the first phase of Gateway, a new mixed-use development at Knocknacarra in Galway city. The other anchor tenant, B&Q, is also to begin trading shortly.

The development, by the Moritz Group, is close to a middle class population of up to 20,000 in Knocknacarra and an equally large number of shoppers in the Salthill area where the choice of shopping facilities has been quite limited up to now.

Dunnes has reported an exceptionally high level of business since it opened its store of 7,124sq m (76,682sq ft). The Irish multiple now has 117 stores nationwide.

The Knocknacarra store will be B&Q's eighth in Ireland and the first in the west. It will have a floor area of 5,945sq m (64,000sq ft) when it begins trading on October 25th.

Bernadine Hogan of agent Savills HOK says B&Q's arrival in Galway will add a "point of difference to the scheme".

One of the remaining shops in the scheme has been assigned to a local pharmacy operator after a highly competitive tender process. The successful trader will be paying a rent of €592 per sq m (€55 per sq ft). There is also considerable competition for the three remaining units in the first phase.

The entire Knocknacarra development will cover an area of 57 acres and, apart from the shopping facility, will also include light industrial buildings, offices and a residential scheme.

The shops will range in size from 400sq m (4,306sq ft) to 1,500sq m (16,146sq ft). Hibernian Insurance is already based in the office element and the developers are offering to build bespoke blocks for tenants prepared to rent or purchase them. Next year it is planned to provide a new civic square in Knocknacarra surrounded by shops, apartments and a primary health care centre.

The Moritz Group, in business for more than 30 years, is also planning a retail scheme alongside Dunnes Stores in Tullamore which is due to be expanded.