When did Roches Stores/City Square first open?

irelandjnr wrote: »

Anyone?

Built in 1994. Roches stores closed in 2006

opened May 8, 1993

https://waterford-news.ie/2020/04/21/phoenix-re-envisaging-city-square/

And the (old) toilets opened by Brenda Donohue!

Many people thought that City Sq was the beginning of the retail renaissance of the town. It was impressive at the time. But it never fulfilled its potential because we never built on the momentum over the course of the following couple of decades. Other city centre sites should have followed. But due to the inertia of the WCCC or developers and objectors nothing substantial followed in its wake sadly. Thats why the city centre is struggling these days.
The closing off and pedestrianisation of certain streets and irrational one way systems has led to the whole area becoming a maze. Arundel Sq should have been left open to traffic (even in a one way format!). Even that part of Michael St between Elverys Sports & what was Olde Stand pub should have remained one way too. I know WCCC were thinking ahead in terms of a Michael St shopping centre being developed but with that seemingly being shelved again the traffic layout isnt fit for purpose IMO.
With regards to City Sq Roches was a big draw and subsequent loss esp its supermarket and similarly Debenhams more recently. Its a huge area to fill. You could break it up into smaller units but who would occupy them? Just look at the new part at the front of Arundel Sq - still lying empty & vacant for over 2+ years. Ive heard speculation that M+S might go into the old Debenhams but Id doubt Dunnes would be impressed and I doubt M+S would see much of a market/demand in Waterford.
What the management/owners of City Sq need to do is think out of the box; break up the Debenhams unit into smaller units and focus on independent niche stores with reduced rents which would entice footfall and in turn more shops to consider Waterford as a destination.

Harry Palmr wrote: »

The era of the big one stop non grocery shop does feel like it a drawing to a close.

Shaws seems to be still going strong. But at least they had the foresight to add a few different tenants to the mix. Bringing Ardkeen Foodstore and placing it in the front window was a good move. Its a small area but it has a nice variety of things. And a nice coffee stall. Probably the way forward. Various small outlets operating under the umbrella of the Shaws name.

I'd be worried about Georges Court. Its a bit forlorn these days. Quite a few empty units unoccupied for a long time.