The Republic's first shopping centre, built in Stillorgan, Co Dublin in 1966, is set for major redevelopment and expansion which could see Marks & Spencer and Boots moving into it.
A planning application submitted yesterday to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council by Myrmidon Limited proposes a large extension costing at least £30 million. It will include a basement car-park, more than 200,000 sq ft of new retail space and a library.
Stillorgan Shopping Centre was built at the height of the economic boom in 1966 at a cost of £1 million.
A number of major retailers are expected to be interested in locating in the centre after its redevelopment. Marks & Spencer is believed to be looking for a suitable premises on the south side of the city, and it will be no surprise in the retail business if it chooses Stillorgan to give it a foothold in the prosperous south Dublin suburbs. Boots is another strong possibility.
The two main anchor stores at present are Quinnsworth and Dunnes Stores.
The previous owners of the centre failed to secure planning permission for a multi-storey car-park at the back of the centre after objections from local residents. Some residents have been consulted on the latest plans, but it is not clear whether there will be any objections.
Despite the arrival of McDonalds in recent years, Stillorgan Shopping Centre has changed little in appearance in more than 30 years. Its outdoor ambience, with the shops laid out around an L-shaped pedestrian precinct, has proved enduringly popular with shoppers who compare it favourably to more enclosed shopping complexes.
Ironically, in view of the proposal for basement car-parking, Stillorgan's easy-access surface car parking has been one of its big attractions.
One of the biggest problems facing the new proposal is the likely traffic congestion which may arise. According to a county council official, one of the main criteria for deciding on planning permission will be the traffic implications.