Millfield Provides 450 New Retail Jobs In North Dublin

The official opening took place today of Millfield, Balbriggan, the first major shopping centre to open in Ireland in almost two years. Anchored by one of the largest Tesco stores in Ireland, Millfield is an impressive €85 million development which is providing a very welcome 450 jobs for the North Dublin area.

Developed by Parkway Properties, Millfield features over 30 retail units on two levels and over 950 car park spaces.  The centre is anchored by a Teso Extra store which spans two floors and features some unique departments such as in-store Opticians and Tesco Photoshop alongside clothing, electrical, toys, stationary and fresh food. Other retailers include Carphone Warehouse, Gamestop, Eason, Ladbrokes, Holland & Barrett and a food court with BB’s Coffee & Muffins, O’Briens Sandwich Bar and Graham O’Sullivan. A drive thru McDonalds will open outside of the main part of the centre during the summer.

Balbriggan is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland and has been grossly underserved in retail terms.  “We are delighted to be opening this major centre today which is also providing a great jobs boost to Balbriggan and the North Dublin area.  There has been a lack of supply of good convenience retail in this area for the growing local population of young families.  At Millfield  we have created a modern, family friendly centre where the mix of retailers and excellent facilities will greatly appeal to the local demographic and provide them with a hassle free, good value shopping experience” says Kevin McCormack of Parkway Properties.

Millfield is located on the Naul Road in Balbriggan and is extremely accessible from all routes, with good local transport links, cycle paths and walkways, as well as 950 car park spaces. It is a short drive from Junction 6 on the M1 motorway and should appeal to the many commuters on that route.

In total 450 jobs will be created at Millfield when the centre is fully operational. The new Tesco store will employ over 200 people including 45 staff transfering from the existing Tesco Balbriggan store.  Walls Construction were the main contractors and up to 300 people have been employed on site over the  past 18 months as well as many more off-site.  Award winning architects  A&D Wejchert have designed a contemporary shopping centre that takes maximum advantage of the location, with a 110m curving glazed street forming the spine of the centre and culminating in large ‘lantern bays’ that give panoramic views over Balbriggan and northwards to the Mourne Mountains.

Other retailers to open at Millfield include Gleeson’s Butchers, Boston Belle Hair & Beauty, More 4 Less, Notionz Gift Shop, Smooch Ice Cream, Cheeky Monkey Bakery, Cuddles Pet Shop and Cru Barbers.  A pharmacy and six fashion outlets will also open shortly.  Eight internal units remain to be let along with four external units including space for a medical centre and a fitness gym.