THE first phase of the extension and refurbishment of Frascati Shopping Centre in Blackrock is due for completion next month with the new multi-storey car park to be opened by the end of November.
The two cranes on site are part of a rapid construction programme that will see the centre double in size, with all phases to be completed by the end of 2018. The opening of the multi-storey car park next month will give a major pre-Christmas boost to current retailers.
Meanwhile, the centre is attracting interest from national and international names, making Frascati one of the most interesting retail projects in the region.
The refurbishment and extension works which are currently underway will cost over €30m and will increase the size of the Frascati Shopping Centre from 100,000 sq ft to 170,000 sq ft.
The extension will add t 21 new retail units and eight new food and beverage outlets in a dedicated restaurant hub with spectacular views over Dublin Bay.
A major car park extension will provide a total of 550 spaces coupled with an improved access with a new right turn by way of Frascati Road which will further enhance the shopping experience in this location.
When complete the new Frascati will be a landmark on one of the most important routes connecting the city centre with its south-eastern suburbs.
Anchor tenants include Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and ALDI which will open for trade in the second quarter of 2018 while existing retailers are keen to upsize with tenants, including Vodafone who are signed up to take additional space in the redeveloped shopping centre.
The tenant mix at the centre is set to evolve and improve as a result of the strong anchor tenants in place as well as the additional sizable units that the development will offer.
According to Louise Donnelly of Cushman & Wakefield: “We are already experiencing a strong level of interest in the scheme, particularly from food and beverage operators.
“It is a very exciting time for the people of Blackrock and surrounding areas and once completed the centre will provide an enhanced shopping experience for the immediate catchment area.”
Johnny O Connor of CBRE, added: “The new units are an excellent opportunity to capitalise on the active food and beverage market and will provide and interesting new offering to the area.”
CBRE and Cushman and Wakefield are the joint letting agents for Frascati.
Frascati Shopping Centre is owned by Invesco Real Estate, a global real estate investment manager.
