Downing Commercial CLIC portfolio | Page 3

CLIC PRIME PORTFOLIO CORK CITY CENTRE RETAIL MARKET Cork as a leading centre of production and research in Europe for the Bio-Tech, Pharmaceutical, IT, Agri-foods and Electronics industries has seen its population grow rapidly over the past few years. The south west region has a projected population growth of 20% over the next few years and this anticipated population growth is expected to have a positive impact on high street retailing in Cork. Patrick’s Street is the premier retail location in Cork City Centre and there is a strong international tenant line up concentrated within the Patrick Street environment. This includes Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Brown Thomas, TK Maxx and Penneys. The new Opera Lane development on Patrick Street houses H&M, Next, Top Shop, River Island and Gap. This strong line-up of international and domestic retailers makes Cork a strong retail comparison destination which is unrivalled outside of Dublin and is powerful enough to attract a strong level of repeat foot fall to the City Centre. The City Centre also has a diverse mix of cultural, food and retail all combining to deliver a shopping and leisure environment which is difficult to rival. There are in excess of 90 retail units located on Patrick Street. There has been significant capital expenditure within Cork City Centre from the Local Authority over the past decade with Patrick Street and the Grand Parade receiving a major re-vamp. In addition, there is a significant number of multi storey car parks within the City Centre precinct, these are located on South Main Street, Paul Street, The Grand Parade and Merchants Quay. A Park and Ride service from the Southside of the City services the City Centre. With improving consumer confidence there has been a substantial take-up of new space in the past few months with international multiples such as; Starbucks, Superdry, Holland & Barrett, Hairspray and Pandora all opening outlets on Patrick’s Street. Investor confidence is starting to strengthen as evidenced by recent transactions on Patrick’s Street. LIMERICK CITY CENTRE RETAIL MARKET Limerick City comprises a compact retail area with the prime offer centred on the northern end of O’Connell Street adjoining William Street and Cruises Street together with the Arthurs Quay shopping complex. The City Centre has a strong Department Store presence with Debenhams, Brown Thomas and Penneys all located adjacent to the Cruises Street pedestrianised core. Dunnes Stores occupy a newly built unit on Henry Street and Tesco have a large supermarket unit in Arthurs Quay Shopping Centre. Limerick City Council has committed substantial capital expenditure to the Limerick retail core over the past nu X