As we mentioned in our daily news report of yesterday, some five assorted clothing retail outlets, all situated within the area of Liberty Square, here in Thurles, [e.g. Heatons, Dempsey’s, Joanne’s Boutique, Elverys and First Editions] worryingly have either closed, moved or are about to shut shop, and all within a 12-month period.
In yesterdays Irish Times we learn from a report by Justin Comiskey that the former 279.56sq m (3,009sq ft) Elverys shop at Liberty Square east, here in Thurles, Co Tipperary, is being offered for sale through agent Cushman & Wakefield.
The building suitably positioned in the very heart of the town and within a good viewing position, has an asking price of €300,000 being quoting.
The premises for sale is positioned on the ground and first floor, while an overhead apartment with separate entrance is not being included in this sale presently. [See red outline in picture overhead.]
Meanwhile, Elverys Intersport, have moved to take over 3 retail units here in Thurles Shopping Centre, a short distance away. One of the units will become a dedicated Tipperary GAA store, to be operated by the sports giant.
The Lár na Páirce GAA shop formerly positioned at Slievenamon Road, Thurles will now continue to gain revenue from the sale of all Tipperary GAA products, and is seen as a commercial opportunity, by the GAA County Board, who will no longer run their shop premises themselves.
Witness the death and strangulation, first hand, of a rural town centre.
Parking costs and other parking restrictions are seen as mainly responsible for retail outlets moving from the Thurles town centre area; to an zone where parking charges and restrictions are totally free and non existent.
Thurles needs a serious injection from our political classes. What are they doing to help??
Nothing being done for Thurles. I am back here 30 years & I am still waiting for the Ring Road. Thurles is a dead town, no Penneys – Dunnes have the monopoly – no choice. I feel sad, back when I was young it was a thriving town; it had a buzz, but to go there now one goes in and there are loads of cafés, but no shops for people to browse.