Budget gone, another shop to be left idle in Dunlaoghaire Shopping Ctr.

Run_to_da_hills

Last month we had Spectra pull out leaving a gap in the 2nd floor of DL SC, now Budget have pulled the pin. It will be a while before these places are filled again.

I think DL Shopping Ctr should clear out the top floor completely and move those up stairs to the lower levels and reserve the top level for stall traders and weekend markets.

Cookie_Monster

More worrying is that Tesco are trying to reduce / have reduced the floor space of their head office on floors 4/5/6 down to just 5 & reception on 4.

Large loss of rent for offices they have no chance of renting to anyone else cos they're awful.

I think DL Shopping Ctr should clear out the top floor completely and move those up stairs to the lower levels and reserve the top level for stall traders and weekend markets.

Thats just ridiculous. There are far more shops on the top floor than vacant space on the other two floors. Toymaster, Art & hobby, stationary, bookshop, marks models, hairdresser, gallery, optician, specsavers, antiques places, clothes shop, angel shop, restaurant, jewelary shop, motor tax place, pub etc etc...

Run_to_da_hills

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Thats just ridiculous. There are far more shops on the top floor than vacant space on the other two floors. Toymaster, Art & hobby, stationary, bookshop, marks models, hairdresser, gallery, optician, specsavers, antiques places, clothes shop, angel shop, restaurant, jewelary shop, motor tax place, pub etc etc...

Still if they grouped them together they could make quite a lot of space availible. I am also surprised they don't copy St Stephens Green Sc by having smaller outlets and temporary displays, artists ety utilizing some of the free space.

eclectichoney

it's disappointing to see so many shops in DL close and remain empty alright The new Crazy nuts shop in the old DL shopping centre looks lovely though - fair play to the guy for taking a chance, it must take some guts. A few more shops like that could bring some life back into the centre. Bloomfield even seems a bit more lively since Tuthills opened up!

Agent Smith

Anyone have any idea how much renting a Shop in the Old Shopping Ctr is?

Whiskey Devil

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

Still if they grouped them together they could make quite a lot of space availible. I am also surprised they don't copy St Stephens Green Sc by having smaller outlets and temporary displays, artists ety utilizing some of the free space.

Interestingly enough, there is a new stand paying cash for gold just outside Tesco in DLSC. They have a sign outside saying 'Discreet Service' when it actally couldn't be any less discreet.


A lot of these centres are now willing to take on month to month and even week to week rolling contracts. Surprised none of those 2 euro shops have gone in to any of these units yet - they're obviously not giving them away just yet..

crushproof

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Thats just ridiculous. There are far more shops on the top floor than vacant space on the other two floors. Toymaster, Art & hobby, stationary, bookshop, marks models, hairdresser, gallery, optician, specsavers, antiques places, clothes shop, angel shop, restaurant, jewelary shop, motor tax place, pub etc etc...

Speaking of which...where exactly is the motor tax place? Had a quick look around the centre the other day and couldn't find it.

On topic, they really need to come up with something to entice more businesses, the place just seems to get worse and worse every month!
If it were up to me, I'd knock the place down and build a smaller scale centre...at the moment it ruins the view of Dun Laoghaire!

Cookie_Monster

crushproof wrote: »

Speaking of which...where exactly is the motor tax place? Had a quick look around the centre the other day and couldn't find it.

On topic, they really need to come up with something to entice more businesses, the place just seems to get worse and worse every month!
If it were up to me, I'd knock the place down and build a smaller scale centre...at the moment it ruins the view of Dun Laoghaire!

it was beside the restauarant near the angel shop but may be gone by now...

Fratton Fred

crushproof wrote: »

Speaking of which...where exactly is the motor tax place? Had a quick look around the centre the other day and couldn't find it.

On topic, they really need to come up with something to entice more businesses, the place just seems to get worse and worse every month!
If it were up to me, I'd knock the place down and build a smaller scale centre...at the moment it ruins the view of Dun Laoghaire!

they have a list on the website of shops and prices.

I looked at renting a place on the top floor a couple of years ago and it was about €90k per year plus rates etc. downstairs was even more expensive and next to Tesco was more expensive still.

eclectichoney

I can't believe it would be 90k for a top floor unit! Was it large? I'd say it has dropped an awful lot now though, especially as there are so, so many empty units (and long-term in a lot of cases) in the DL main streeet area now. I wonder will there ever be a new tenant in the old O'Briens Off-licence, Minnie Peters & Savills? Surely after a few years empty (as in the cae of O'briens for example), landlords must start thinking that any rent is better than no rent?? Airwave in Bloomfield is also quite a large unit which closed down more recently, in addition to the closures in the old DL SC.

Fratton Fred

The prices do seem to have come down, but you need to include the rent, service charge, rates and insurance to get the total cost. http://www.dunlaoghairesc.ie/toLet.php i think it was unit 340 or 342 I enquited about previously, although it was the one next to Toymaster that I really wanted, which is over €100k per year.

crushproof

Had no luck finding the Q4U motor tax office...unless it hidden down a darkened hallway it's definately not there!

sgt.bilko

crushproof wrote: »

Had no luck finding the Q4U motor tax office...unless it hidden down a darkened hallway it's definately not there!

it's a small kiosk facing fuji photo which is at the entrance nearest AIB Bank.

Cookie_Monster

sgt.bilko wrote: »

it's a small kiosk facing fuji photo which is at the entrance nearest AIB Bank.

ah, they moved into the old juice bar downstairs so

Agent Smith

Has anyone ever seen anyone order anything from the bagel bar? How on earth is that still open?

eclectichoney

Agent Smith wrote: »

Has anyone ever seen anyone order anything from the bagel bar? How on earth is that still open?

Lol, the one opposite Holland & Barrett? (Speaking of which H&B was a great recent addition to the centre, just the kind of store it needs). I have actually seen a few people getting stuff from time to time:eek::eek: Imo it would be worth the couple of minute's walk to Itsa if you're looking to get a bagel, mind you I have never actually tried the American bagel place (if that's even what it's called!).

O'Briens always seems pretty busy which astounds me. BBs Muffins do a great trade, but that's not too surprising as their muffins are Nyom.

Cookie_Monster

eclectichoney wrote: »

O'Briens always seems pretty busy which astounds me. BBs Muffins do a great trade, but that's not too surprising as their muffins are Nyom.

BB's had/have a half price promotion with all centre staff. I reckon Tesco Head office is keeping them going nicely

eclectichoney

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

BB's had/have a half price promotion with all centre staff. I reckon Tesco Head office is keeping them going nicely

Ah God, now I really wish i worked in the centre (even if my waistline wouldn't thank me for it!)

Fratton Fred

Are you talking about the bagel and ice cream place on the corner, right above Tesco?

I've had stuff from there and it is pretty good. there is an Asian lady in there who knocks up a pretty good bagel.

Tabnabs

sgt.bilko wrote: »

it's a small kiosk facing fuji photo which is at the entrance nearest AIB Bank.

Passed it last night. Long gone.

I see a number of shops empty, but good to see Marks Models with another customer in it when I stopped by

eclectichoney

there looks to be a new crepe place opening up beside the Marine Road entance?? Fingers crossed they do well and stay open!

Cookie_Monster

eclectichoney wrote: »

there looks to be a new crepe place opening up beside the Marine Road entance?? Fingers crossed they do well and stay open!

finally, that was revamped months ago and looked to be on the verge of opening several times.

This is the one outside, beside the heavenly goodness of whatever its called?

eclectichoney

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

finally, that was revamped months ago and looked to be on the verge of opening several times.

This is the one outside, beside the heavenly goodness of whatever its called?

Yeah I think so! Will try and remember to check it out today when I'm passing.

Tabnabs

La Petite Creperie (The Little Crapper?! )

I will eat my shoes if that place survives and does good trade. (Best of luck to them BTW!)

Cookie_Monster

Dyflin wrote: »

La Petite Creperie (The Little Crapper?! )

I will eat my shoes if that place survives and does good trade. (Best of luck to them BTW!)

if its decent prices i think it could do quite well. Served quick and you can walk around with them.

Not the best location though. That area behind the busstop is always filthy and the steps and barrier should be removed and all levelled out a bit

Whiskey Devil

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

finally, that was revamped months ago and looked to be on the verge of opening several times.

This is the one outside, beside the heavenly goodness of whatever its called?

Have they not just replaced a coffee shop that closed recently Or is that next door?

eclectichoney

Whiskey Devil wrote: »

Have they not just replaced a coffee shop that closed recently Or is that next door?

Yes they have replaces the coffee shop (heavenly or manna or something?? which seemd to be closed half the time anyway!) rather than moving into the empty unit beside it. It looks nice and I also think it could do well e.g. people popping in to get a takeaway crepe whilst waiting on a bus etc. / heading to the DART.

Run_to_da_hills

Whiskey Devil wrote: »

Interestingly enough, there is a new stand paying cash for gold just outside Tesco in DLSC. They have a sign outside saying 'Discreet Service' when it actally couldn't be any less discreet. ..

Anything but descrete, that part of the shopping Ctr is riddled with CCTV since ite recent upgrade. :rolleyes:

The shop front is also very tacky looking and the advertisement for it sounds like something from Harvy Norman.

jtrred

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

if its decent prices i think it could do quite well. Served quick and you can walk around with them.

just had crepes in there with the kids. Good prices and very tasty! All good. Friendly staff and (according to my wife) cute French guy.

I'll be back... like a nice crepe, I do..

eclectichoney

Good to know jtred! Sick of overpaying in lemon and the likes, when I feel like a crepe

Fratton Fred

you just can't beat a good crepe

eclectichoney

Tried out the Crepe place yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. Tis about €3.50 for a basic crepe and €4-€4.50 for the more substantial ones, which is decent enough price-wise. They certainly have some nice savoury options around the €4 mark, which is cheaper than the likes of lemon. The staff that served me were nice / friendly too, which is always a plus

Whiskey Devil

eclectichoney wrote: »

Tried out the Crepe place yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. Tis about €3.50 for a basic crepe and €4-€4.50 for the more substantial ones, which is decent enough price-wise. They certainly have some nice savoury options around the €4 mark, which is cheaper than the likes of lemon. The staff that served me were nice / friendly too, which is always a plus

Sounds like they could teach some of their neighbours (Centra) a thing or two. No excuse for rude or depressed looking staff!!

I'll have to try 'em out during the week.

homer911

The only thing that will get Dun Laoghaire moving again is free car parking. They have killed the golden goose!

Cookie_Monster

homer911 wrote: »

The only thing that will get Dun Laoghaire moving again is free car parking. They have killed the golden goose!

bit out of the way but the west pier carpark is €3 all day weekdays and free after 7 and weekends

Atomic Pineapple

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

bit out of the way but the west pier carpark is €3 all day weekdays and free after 7 and weekends

oh, where is that? And is it safe to leave a car all day?

Also, is the car park in Eden Park and the one in Clarinda park €5 a day?

Cookie_Monster

draffodx wrote: »

oh, where is that? And is it safe to leave a car all day?

Also, is the car park in Eden Park and the one in Clarinda park €5 a day?

down towards Monkstown near the Purty kitchen. There's a halting site ajoining the car park. But apparently there's some old guy who just hangs around all day and watches cars there.

Atomic Pineapple

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

down towards Monkstown near the Purty kitchen. There's a halting site ajoining the car park. But apparently there's some old guy who just hangs around all day and watches cars there.

Thanks its a bit far from work to make it worthwhile parking there,

Does anyone know if Eden park, beside Glasthule Dart station or Clarinda park are still and will remain €5 a day throughout the year?

Cookie_Monster

draffodx wrote: »

Thanks its a bit far from work to make it worthwhile parking there,

Does anyone know if Eden park, beside Glasthule Dart station or Clarinda park are still and will remain €5 a day throughout the year?

Did you not just move to DL and work there now, why need to drive?

Atomic Pineapple

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Did you not just move to DL and work there now, why need to drive?

I did, moved to monkstown/seapoint and I get the dart in and out for work, but I'd like to drive in on a Friday morning and park near work so that I can head straight home to Slane on Friday evening rather than having to go back to the flat.

Cookie_Monster

ah, i see. makes sense

Tabnabs

The card shop in the basement (not the newsagents/cardshop) was locked up today, another victim of the downturn?

eclectichoney

they are working on the vacant shop beside La Petite Creperie so hopefully something new will be opening up soon

eclectichoney

Another shop bites the dust The handbag / accessory shop beside the Fuji shop and opposite the stairs at the far entrance on Georges St.

Tabnabs

Coffee shop in DL harbour, closed for good. :rolleyes:

Cookie_Monster

Dyflin wrote: »

Coffee shop in DL harbour, closed for good. :rolleyes:

The entire terminal is not too far behind I'd say :pac:

Was in the shopping centre yesterday, top floor was a ghost town, The camera shop is gone now too on the middle floor.

Fratton Fred

Who owns the shopping centre? Is it privately owned or do the council own it?

The council need to step in pretty damn quickly because DL is rapidly becoming a ghost town.

Cookie_Monster

Fratton Fred wrote: »

Who owns the shopping centre? Is it privately owned or do the council own it?

The council need to step in pretty damn quickly because DL is rapidly becoming a ghost town.

Privately owned, used to know who but can't remember offhand.
All they really need to do is get realistic about some of the rents they are looking for. I'm sure plenty of shops would open there if it wass cheaper.

Driving through DL and trying to park is a disaster which I'm sure puts many people off especially when Dundrum and Carrickmines are so accessable. Serious traffic management issues to sort out there to improve them

Fratton Fred

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

Privately owned, used to know who but can't remember offhand.
All they really need to do is get realistic about some of the rents they are looking for. I'm sure plenty of shops would open there if it wass cheaper.

Driving through DL and trying to park is a disaster which I'm sure puts many people off especially when Dundrum and Carrickmines are so accessable. Serious traffic management issues to sort out there to improve them

€2 for the first three hours parking at Dundrum with its array of designers shops etc, or €2.20 per hour at Bloomfields......

Atomic Pineapple

Fratton Fred wrote: »

€2 for the first three hours parking at Dundrum with its array of designers shops etc, or €2.20 per hour at Bloomfields......

That pretty much says it all, Drogheda and Dundalk both offer much more than Dun Laoghaire does but with parking only €1.20 and hour, both are much easier to get around than Dun Laoghaire and both offer better town parking.

When moving up here I thought I'd have much more choice of shops and stuff close by but it turns out I have less!

Tabnabs

€2 for first three hours parking in DL shopping centre, so they are competing on that level at least, it was very popular at christmas I heard.

I see that the dodgy chinese style shop Pagoda on the top floor is having a closing down sale...