Waterford City & County Council has granted planning permission for the second phase of the Waterford Retail Park project in Butlerstown, United Kingdom, which will involve the construction of six new units, increasing the park’s size from 160,000 square feet to 255,000 sq ft.
The park will now be able to accommodate several international retail operators currently not present in the Waterford area, turning it into the premier retail destination in the South East, according to a report by Waterford News.
However, the proposed “Congreve House” project at the park’s entrance did not receive the necessary planning permission from the council.
The three-story 35,000 sq ft building planned by Monaco Properties was refused due to concerns that it was not in line with the development plan’s “Core Strategy” and principles of “compact growth and sustainable development.
The new development will see B&Q returning as an anchor tenant at the park. This return is seen as a positive sign for the local economy and an endorsement of the area.
According to Monaco Properties’ Barry Monaghan, the decision by the council reflects the demand for “additional retail warehouse units, which are typically big retail boxes in out-of-town locations selling primarily bulky goods.”
The development will also include a unit for a store specializing in sports, camping, and blessings, which would suit a business like Decathlon.
Monaco Properties currently does not have any agreement with Decathlon. Still, the company is keen to provide a unit in the park to keep the business from moving to a location in Kilkenny or Wexford.
Monaco Properties is a leading developer of speculative office developments in the South East, and they are eager to continue developing offices in the area.
Despite the positive development, Monaghan acknowledged that only some are thrilled with the new development, as it may pose competition for other businesses in the area.
For its part, Waterford City & County Council has pledged to collaborate with Monaco Properties and other parties involved in the development to ensure that the project is a success for the whole community and to contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the region.
Can you believe the buzz around the new camping superstore coming to Waterford Retail Park? It’s like a dream come true for outdoor lovers like us! Monaco Properties is really stepping up their game, making shopping more exciting and diverse for the whole community. Exciting times ahead, right?