Hammerson scores major upsizes at Dundrum Town Centre and Cabot Circus

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
June 26, 2023

Shopping malls giant Hammerson has secured big retail developments at two of its major centres. First there’s an upsized and relocated €16 million (£13.7 million) new Penneys flagship store opened at Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin, while Bristol’s largest H&M has made an upsized re-entry at the Cabot Circus mall.

“The new openings further reflect [our] focus on enlivening and reinvigorating its destinations through new occupiers, concepts and brands. Underpinning the wider strategy to create exceptional city centre destinations to drive value for our stakeholders, connect our communities, and deliver a positive impact for generations to come”, the landlord said. 

Penneys (better known as Primark outside of Ireland) has opened an 80,000 sq ft store featuring 60,000 sq ft of retail space, a rise of 64%. That makes Penneys one of the largest fashion retailers at Dundrum Town Centre and becomes its third-largest store in Ireland.

Located on levels two and three, the increased floor space allows a much wider selection of fashion and products across women’s, men’s and kidswear, as well as beauty and expanded homewares departments.  

Meanwhile, at Cabot Circus, H&M has upsized and refitted its store allowing the arrival of H&M Home. The new 26,120 sq ft store features new services including click & collect lockers and self-checkouts “against the backdrop of a more welcoming and relaxed interior design”. The H&M flagship becomes the largest in the area having taken over the former Victoria’s Secret unit.  

Harry Badham, Chief Development & Asset Repositioning Officer, said: “The significant investment Penneys and H&M have made in their Dundrum and Cabot Circus stores demonstrates the value big brands see in well-located city centre destinations. 

“We are well positioned to benefit from this ‘flight to quality’ and continue to provide further value to our occupiers through innovative events and activations which engage new audiences. Our brand and customers can expect more exceptional concepts and experiences in 2023.”