A new Towncentre on the banks of the Shannon
Published: 05 November, 2007
Athlone Towncentre, the biggest centre to complete in Ireland this year, was about to open just as Shopping Centre Ireland went to press.
The centre was expected to open on Thursday November 1 with over 90 per cent of the overall retail space trading. The developer, Gallico, has opted for a multi-anchor approach rather than one dominant department store, and the MSUs have been taken by Marks & Spencer, Next, Zara, Easons and H & M.
The scheme has provided a welcome opportunity for many international retailers to gain representation in the Midlands for the first time and the overall tenant line up includes River Island, Monsoon, Coast, Promod, Shanique, Oasis, Vero Moda, Esprit, Principles, Tommy Hilfiger and Jack and Jones. Also, units have been taken by JD, Elvery's Sports, Click, Virgin, Game and 3.
In design terms the sense of space is accentuated by a glazed roof over the vast double height central plaza. The mall widths are generous and the materials used give the scheme the feel of an external street environment.
