A major expansion to the Gateway Retail Park in Kncoknacarra will create more than 300 jobs in Galway in one of the biggest retail projects Galway has seen in decades.
The expansion will be anchored by a colossal 60,000sq ft Harvey Norman superstore that will form nearly half of the new retail space in the second phase of the retail park.
On top of Harvey Norman, the phase two expansion will add six new open-use retail units and four food and drink outlets.
Letting agent Bannon said that Harvey Norman’s decision to make such a major investment shows the appeal of the retail park, and Galway, to businesses.
The Irish Times reports that the Australian retailer known for its many sales on electrical goods, computers, and furniture will pay annual rent in the region of €900,000.
Blaine Callard, Chief Executive of Harvey Norman in Ireland, said the company was glad to have finally found a “home in the west” and that the new Galway superstore will make a great addition to their network.
It’s also expected that Bannon will soon announce the identity of a second major international client renting another large store.
Darren Peavoy of Bannon said there is a lot of interest from retailers in letting the new units coming online.
This was unsurprising, he added, as they are well designed to use for fashion or other options.
When the expansion is complete, the new retail outlets at the shopping hub will support 300 full and part-time jobs between them
Gateway Retail Park was purchased by Sigma Retail Partner in 2016 on behalf of Oaktree Capital.
When this planned phase of expansion is complete, it’ll bring the total amount of retail space at the Knocknacarra shopping hub 325,000sq ft.
Other outlets that are already present include Dunnes Stores, B&Q, New Look and Next.
Marcus Wren from Sigma said they’ve put a lot of effort into planning the expansion of Gateway retail park, and thanked Galway city council for helping to push this project through.
