Ballymac is best place for top international brands

Mandarina Duck and Basile join top UK fashion retailer NEXT, which has taken a major 928 sq m (10,097 sq ft) unit and is anchoring one end of the mall. Mandarina Duck is to take a 93 sq m (1,000 sq ft) unit and Basile will take a 155 sq m (1,670 sq ft) unit. These two top brands join recent signings Antler, Paper Mill, and Book Depot. Some 40% of the space is now already let, in legals or under offer and further announcements will follow in the near future.

Construction work on the €60m scheme, which will open in June 2007, is scheduled to start in a few months.

The project, which is set to become Ireland’s premier fashion outlet destination, is fully funded by ING Real Estate itself and comprises 80 retail units, three major anchors, cafés, crèche facilities and parking for 1,240 cars. It will draw shoppers from its 2.9m catchment - the largest of any factory outlet in the whole of Ireland, and is attracting interest from major international brands.

The scheme has an ideal strategic location in the euro-zone, equidistant (48 miles) between Dublin and Belfast on the new motorway linking the two cities.

Ben Rainford, Managing Director of ING Real Estate Development UK commented: 

"These are exciting signings for Ballymac and highlight the strength of being in the Euro-zone where we can attract leading European brands who would not consider the UK. From any top retailers’ perspective in terms of location, population and destination: Dundalk has it all. The commitment of these international fashion brands and the interest shown by other leading brands reinforces Ballymac’s position as a prime retail opportunity." 

ING Real Estate is a major factory outlet operator with successful schemes including Dalton Park, County Durham and a portfolio of European schemes in Italy, Spain, Holland and Australia.