03-07-2025
Cork City's landmark Roches Stores building to be split into retail units under new plans
The first steps toward returning Cork City's former iconic Roches Stores building – later occupied by Debenhams – to full occupancy are underway.
Planning permission is being sought to divide the main front section on St Patrick's Street into three ground-level units, including a large central retail space potentially for Zara or InterSport Elverys, the building's current owners.
The planning submission, which includes a 24-page outline document by architects Henry J Lyons, preserves the historic façade and signature dome. This marks the first phase of redevelopment of the vast two-acre store on Cork's premier retail boulevard — seen as key to reducing the street's high vacancy rate.
A second application for a mixed-use development — including residential, hotel, and additional retail in the rear section — is expected later this year.
The move to seek planning permission for changes to the front entrance of the 1920s department store follows nearly a year of discussions with Spanish retailer Zara, which have since paused, according to John Staunton, director and co-owner of InterSport Elverys.
"It's too important a building for Cork city centre to be left idle any longer," he said.
The Mayo family-owned business, which operates online and across 46 stores nationwide, employing 700 people, purchased the property for €12m in May 2023. It had originally been listed at €20m after Debenhams, who leased the building, controversially ceased operations in Ireland in 2020.
The site has deep roots in Cork retail history, dating back to William Roche's founding of Roches Stores in 1901.
The site could return to thriving bricks-and-mortar retail use in time for its centenary.
The original premises was destroyed in the December 1920 Burning of Cork, with the current nine-bay, three-storey, copper-dome-topped building opening in 1927, designed by renowned local architects Chillingworth and Levie.
The site could return to thriving bricks-and-mortar retail use in time for its centenary.
'You'll never get a building with space like this again in a city centre,' noted owner Mr Staunton.
Subject to a smooth planning process, trading could begin by Christmas 2025.
Lease terms have already been agreed for a beauty and cosmetics store on the right-hand side, while InterSport Elverys will occupy the central area — 16,000 sq ft at ground level and 22,000 sq ft above, under a reduced atrium/dome area installed in the 1990s.
'There's a list as long as your arm' for the left-hand unit, Mr Staunton added.
A fourth retailer will take space along the side elevation, with a dedicated entrance onto Maylor Street. The full redevelopment — potentially including a gym, retail, residential, or hotel use — will re-establish pedestrian links from Maylor Street to Merchants Quay Shopping Centre.
Sources yesterday suggested Zara, which already operates at Mahon Point in Cork, may yet renew its interest.
'Anything is possible. Never say never,' Mr Staunton said, confirming that Elverys is prepared to occupy the main central unit as soon as planning is approved.
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