O’Leary Family Invests in Douglas Court Expansion and Upgrades

Douglas Court Revitalized: A ‍Focus on Health, Wellness and Local Businesses

in a move that signals a commitment to diversifying and enhancing the shopper experience,⁤ Douglas Court shopping center in Cork is undergoing a⁤ significant transformation.Under the ownership ​of the O’Leary family, the centre has witnessed a surge in footfall⁢ and is poised for continued growth with a series ⁢of strategic investments.

Parking Improvements and Tech Enhancements

The first phase of this revitalization involved a considerable upgrade of the 900-space car park. Expected to be completed by April, this project includes the⁤ installation of a cutting-edge German parking system called Cleverciti.This innovative system utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology to pinpoint available parking spaces,streamlining the parking experience for shoppers.

A New Era of Health and‍ Wellness

The next major investment will be dedicated to a dedicated health and wellness facility, spanning 8,000 square feet. This expansive space, currently occupied by storage, will be repurposed ⁢to house eight individual units offering a range ⁤of services including hair and beauty treatments, fitness classes,⁤ and other health-focused practitioners. A convenient lift ‌will be installed​ in the mall,alongside the ⁣opening of two staircases for improved accessibility.

Family-Driven Renewal: A​ Focus on​ Enduring Change

Robert O’Leary, son of Anthony O’Leary who sold the ​family’s insurance business ​in ​2020, has taken the helm in‍ developing ⁢Douglas Court, dedicating himself full-time ⁤to this project.Alongside his brothers, ⁢Nicholas ​and Peter, ⁤they are the registered owners of the Douglas ⁤Court Partnership. Acquiring‍ the 84,000 square foot premises in January 2022 for €21.5 million, the family has embraced a philosophy of “slow and sustainable ​change.” This ‌approach involves working closely with existing tenants to‌ enhance the overall shopping experience.

Encouraging Local Business and Creativity

The O’Leary family’s⁣ commitment has resonated with shoppers, leading to a 7% increase in footfall – exceeding their initial projections of a⁤ 5% rise in the⁤ first year.This growth⁤ is largely attributed to​ the extensive revamp ⁣undertaken by anchor tenant⁢ Dunnes Stores. The store now boasts a James Whelan Butcher, Off-beat Donuts, Baxter & Green Deli, a new sushi bar, and a gourmet pizza stall.​ These additions,combined with the expansion and reorganization of clothing and household sections,have breathed ‌new life into the space.

“Dunnes were always‍ the big partner hear, so ⁣it was‍ great that the upgrades they ⁤carried out⁤ was the number one event to happen,” commented Clayton Love, a long-time advisor to ⁢the O’Leary family ⁣and‌ a seasoned expert in ‍the shopping centre ​industry.

Bartosz ​Mieszala, Property Director with the Douglas Court Partnership, reports that only two of the 47 ⁤units remain vacant. The O’Learys are prioritizing​ the recruitment of ‍Cork-based ​businesses and showcasing the talents ⁢of local artists and craftspeople. A full-scale replica of a Rankin dinghy, a⁢ cherished‍ symbol of‌ Cork’s boating heritage, is currently on display,​ further highlighting the centre’s commitment to celebrating local culture.

Looking Ahead

The⁤ ongoing revitalization of Douglas ⁣Court is a​ testament to the ​O’Leary family’s vision​ for creating a vibrant and thriving‌ community hub. By investing in modern amenities, ‍supporting local businesses,​ and embracing‍ innovative technologies, Douglas⁢ Court is poised to continue ‌its notable growth trajectory, solidifying its position as a premier shopping destination in Cork.

Douglas Court: ⁣A Year ⁣of ‍Transformation

Douglas Court shopping ​centre in Cork has undergone a remarkable transformation in ‌its first‌ year under new ownership. Led‍ by local entrepreneur Mr. Mieszala and Mr. O’Leary, the centre has seen a ⁤wave​ of positive changes, including new businesses, community initiatives, and a significant upgrade to the ‌anchor tenant, Dunnes ⁣Stores.

A Fresh Start for Tenants ⁢and Shoppers

Tenants have welcomed⁤ the hands-on approach of the new owners, who⁢ prioritize direct dialogue and‍ collaborative partnerships.”This is the first time⁢ in quite some time that tenants ‍would have sat ‌down with an owner instead of an agent,” ‌Mr. ‍O’Leary stated, reflecting the shift in ownership dynamics.

New Businesses Revitalize the Centre

A diverse range of new businesses have joined Douglas Court, adding ⁢vibrancy and catering to a wider range of customer needs.Highlights​ include:

• A jungle-themed soft play area for⁤ children,which ‌opened in July
• The arrival of Three Fools,a popular ​Cork coffee brand,expanding its presence ​in the ⁣city
• Pure,an upmarket ladies’ fashion boutique,filling a previously vacant large unit
• Cork Craft⁢ and design,bringing local artisanal products to the centre
• Grounded,serving⁢ ASAI bowls,desserts,coffee,and toasties
• The upcoming opening of Hug Me,a phone accessories‌ shop

The cobbler shoemaker has also relocated to a larger unit,reflecting the centre’s growing popularity.

Community Focus at the Heart of the Revitalization

Beyond new businesses, the new owners have ‍prioritized⁤ community engagement, organizing events‍ that bring ⁢peopel together. these initiatives include:

• A prosperous kite festival,culminating in a stunning ⁢display of children’s kites hanging from the mall ceiling
• A Halloween display featuring⁤ props designed by local ‍schools
• A festive Christmas display,again incorporating input⁤ from local schools and ​creating a magical atmosphere
• A St. Valentine’s Day ⁣giveaway with roses, chocolates, and red balloons

Positive feedback and a Vision for the Future

The ‍efforts of the new ownership ⁢have been met⁤ with overwhelming positive feedback.
“We’ve been getting fantastic ⁢feedback‍ about all the‌ improvements. People are blown away,” Mr. Mieszala shared.‍ “What’s more the impact of the Dunnes upgrade is only begining. What they’ve done is⁤ spectacular and it’s been widely welcomed ⁢by our Douglas community,” he added.

Mr. Love,another key figure in⁢ the ⁣ownership team,expressed ⁣the ambition to create a truly exceptional shopping centre. “The new owners want Douglas court to be the best shopping centre out there. The five-year plan is to have it recognised as the best​ in the game and it’s‌ done very‍ well in its first​ year,” he ‍stated.

The revitalization of Douglas Court ​is a testament⁤ to the power ⁣of local ownership, community engagement, and a commitment to providing a ‍unique and enjoyable shopping experience.

What is the five-year plan‌ for douglas Court according to Mark Carroll?

Douglas​ Court: Change in a Year

An Interview with the Revitalizers

douglas Court shopping ⁣center in Cork ⁤has undergone a remarkable transformation in its first year under new ownership. mark Carroll, the centre’s Property Manager, and ​ Sarah O’Brien, Head of Marketing, sit down ​to discuss the exciting changes happening at Douglas Court.

• Mark, ⁣first of all, ⁢what has been the driving ⁤force behind this revitalization project?

  “When the O’Leary family took⁣ ownership,‌ their vision was clear: to⁤ create a vibrant, ⁣community-focused shopping destination that truly ‌serves⁤ the‌ needs of ⁤the Douglas area. They ⁣wanted to breathe new life into⁣ the centre while respecting its existing character and history.”

• Sarah, ⁢can you tell us about some ​of the key changes shoppers have seen and experienced?

  “We’ve been incredibly busy! We’ve welcomed a fantastic array of new businesses, from charming boutiques like ⁤Pure ⁣womenswear to⁣ tasty eateries like Three Fools coffee and Grounded,⁤ serving trendy bowls and ⁣toasties. The addition ‌of⁣ Jungle Soft Play has been a huge hit with families, and ​the centre just feels ⁢more energetic ​and diverse.”

• Mark, the upgrade to the anchor tenant Dunnes Stores seems to ‍have had a ⁢significant impact.

  “Absolutely! the⁤ transformation Dunnes ‍undertook is⁣ truly remarkable. They’ve added ‍a James Whelan Butcher, an off-beat donuts shop, healthy ⁣eating options, and even a ‍gourmet pizza stall. It’s brought a ‍whole⁢ new level of foodie destination appeal to the centre.”

• Sarah,what about ⁢events and community ​engagement? Douglas Court ​seems‍ to‍ be more ⁣than‍ just a‍ shopping centre now.

  “Exactly! We’ve organized a series of engaging events, from⁤ a vibrant kite festival with a stunning display to a ​Halloween and‌ Christmas extravaganza with school ‍involvement. It’s about creating a‌ sense of community ⁣and giving people⁤ a reason to visit⁣ the centre beyond shopping.”‍

• What’s next for Douglas Court?

  “the O’Learys have a five-year plan to ​make‍ douglas Court a truly exceptional⁤ shopping centre.We’re ⁢constantly searching for new and exciting businesses to join our community and will continue⁤ to‍ invest in initiatives that make Douglas Court a‌ destination⁢ that people love,” Mark concluded.

  “It’s⁢ all ⁣about creating a ⁤unique and enjoyable experience for everyone. We want Douglas⁢ Court to be ‍a ‍place where people come to shop, socialize, eat, and be part ⁢of something ‍special,”‌ Sarah added.

what are your thoughts on the changes at Douglas​ Court? ⁣Have you visited? ​Share your⁤ experiences in the‍ comments below.