Penneys reduces Cork city centre store expansion from original 17,000 square feet proposal

Ireland-based clothing retailer Penneys has submitted revised planning permission for a 6,000 square feet expansion of its Cork city centre store, a substantial reduction from the 17,000 square feet originally proposed five years ago, the Irish Examiner reported.

The development will bring several long-vacant units back into use, including the former Jack & Jones store on St Patrick's Street and a vacant unit at number one Cook Street. These units, along with neighbouring Flying Tiger, will be incorporated into an enlarged Penneys store offering 40,500 square feet of retail space.

Fintan Costello, head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland, said if the revised planning application is successful, it will lead to a multi-million euro investment. "Our plans are focused on creating a modern, transformed flagship store for our customers and colleagues, improving the shopping and instore experience, while bringing fresh energy and footfall to Cork city centre," Costello said.

The retailer plans to refresh and modernise its existing store, including relocating escalators to provide a better store flow and shopping experience. The store will remain open throughout the redevelopment project, which Penneys hopes to begin in autumn, pending a successful planning outcome.

The new application substantially redraws what was originally planned when Penneys first sought permission to expand its premier Cork store in 2021. That €60 million project took two years to get through the planning system before being put on hold, with planning delays and rising construction costs impacting the decision.

The redevelopment will include new fixtures and fittings, flooring and lighting, cleaning and painting of all facades, and new exterior signage.

View complete details of Penneys revised Cork city centre expansion plans in the full report.