Liffey Valley plan a “massive vote of confidence in the area”

A MASSSIVE

?¬26 million extension of the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre will lead to the creation of over 450 new jobs when work gets underway.

Major investment will bring a new Penney’s store, six restaurants, a cinema upgrade and a new civic space to what is considered one of Ireland’s best shopping and leisure destinations.

Hines Ireland and partners HSBC Alternative Investments Limited (HAIL) alongside Grosvenor Britain & Ireland unveiled plans for the centre that have been hailed as a

“massive vote of confidence in the area

? by one local TD.

The 10,500 sqm new build will see the floor area of the centre increase by over 16 per cent to include the Penney’s store, the six restaurants over three floors and the new 3,300 sqm civic space.

A new Western End façade will be constructed and reconfigurations will be made to the existing VUE Cinema as part of the planning permission for the development that was granted in 2013.

The project is expected to create up to 225 construction employment opportunities during the development phase and approximately 450 full and part-time jobs upon completion – bringing the total number of people employed within the centre to over 2,500.

Centre Director Denis O’Connell said it marked an exciting new phase for Liffey Valley.

“We are delighted to commence this

?¬26 million investment in the retail, leisure and community facilities on offer at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre,

? he said.

“It represents an exciting new phase of development for the centre which has evolved into a major shopping destination for west Dublin and beyond.

?

Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the extension was a

“massive vote of confidence in our area as a commercial hub and is evidence that national economic recovery is beginning to take root locally

?.

“I warmly welcome this significant investment by Hines Ireland,

? the minister said.

“I believe it represents a massive vote of confidence in Liffey Valley as one of Ireland’s premier shopping destinations, a massive vote of confidence in Clondalkin and Lucan as commercial hubs, and a massive vote of confidence in the Irish economy as a whole.

“Hines Ireland has correctly identified the Liffey Valley Centre Shopping Centre as one of Ireland’s best shopping and leisure destinations, and this investment will only enhance its appeal for shoppers and consumers.

“This news is further testament to the growing strength of our economic recovery, and shows that national economic recovery is beginning to take root in a meaningful way locally.

?

The minister added:

“This expansion will provide real jobs for local people, while expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life for so many communities.

?

The estimated completion of the works will see the cinema upgrade open in autumn 2015, with the new Penney’s due to open in late 2016.

“I look forward to joining local residents in enjoying these new amenities, which will enhance quality of life for consumers and local communities alike,

? the minister added.

The Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash also welcomed the announcement.

Minister Nash, who chairs the Government’s Retail Consultation Forum, said:

“This is great news for the retail sector and for the communities around Liffey Valley. The announcement is further proof of the economic recovery and up-take in consumer confidence, supported by the sound economic policies which the Government has pursued over the last four years.

“The retail sector was particularly badly hit during the downturn, with over 50,000 jobs lost between 2008 and 2012. However, we have seen consistent signs of recovery in the sector over the last 12 months.

“This expansion is further positive news for the sector and should provide employment to many residents in the local area. On completion, the project will open up many new opportunities for those who are interested in making a career in retail.

?