€2.5m investment completed at Cork’s Blackpool Shopping Centre
Refurbishment programme at Blackpool Shopping Centre and Retail Park includes upgrades to flooring, lighting, signage and public areas
Print21 September 2026
A €2.5 million investment programme at Blackpool Shopping Centre and Retail Park in Cork has been completed by joint venture partners – Patron Capital and Lugus Capital.
European commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection – Michael McGrath officially marked the completion of the refurbishment programme on 18 September.
Centre upgrade completed
The investment has included new flooring, improved lighting, new bulkheads and signage, as well as upgrades to public areas throughout the centre.
Blackpool Shopping Centre and Retail Park, which has been open for more than 25 years, is home to more than 60 businesses and supports over 1,900 jobs.
The owners said the investment forms part of a longer-term strategy to strengthen the centre’s retail mix and develop the Shopping Centre and Retail Park as an integrated destination for retail, food, services and leisure.
Recent additions to the wider shopping district include JYSK, Eason, Kerry Hanaphy, The Pantry and Box’d Coffee.
Supporting future growth
The investment comes as further development is planned for the surrounding area, including a new railway station at Kilbarry, which is expected to improve public transport connectivity for Blackpool.
Michael McGrath said the investment represented “a very positive statement of confidence” in Blackpool, Cork’s northside and the future of established retail centres.
“For more than 25 years, Blackpool Shopping Centre has been part of the fabric of life in Cork, serving generations of families and providing an important hub for local employment and enterprise,” McGrath said.
He added: “Investment on this scale will help ensure that the Centre continues to play that role into the future – supporting jobs, creating opportunities for retailers and businesses, and providing a high-quality environment for the thousands of people who visit and use the Centre every week.”
Long-term plans
Roger Dineen, head of asset management at Lugus Capital, said the investment was intended to protect the centre’s existing strengths while improving the environment for retailers and customers.
“The refurbishment is the most visible part of that programme, but our ambition goes beyond the physical improvements,” Dineen said.
He added: “We want to continue strengthening the tenant mix, attracting new brands and creating a destination that can perform strongly for the long term.”
Stephen Green, senior partner at Patron Capital, said the investment would position the centre for its next phase of growth.
“Blackpool has an established place within the Cork retail market and, importantly, within its local community,” Green said.
He added: “Together with Lugus Capital, we saw an opportunity to make an impactful investment in the centre, enhance the quality of the environment and position it strongly for its next phase of growth.”
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© 2026, ShelfLife by Patryk Goron
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