Penneys get green light to double size of store in the Midlands

Penneys has again been given a green light to double the size of a store in the Midlands, and potentially create about 90 jobs.

However the multinational retail business has a shorter time to do the work, having failed to act on two previous similar planning approvals issued.

For the third time, Penneys' Portlaoise outlet is approved for a major expansion. It is based in Laois Shopping Centre.

Laois County Council planners have however placed a time limit to do the expansion, counting five years from the last time they approved the expansion in 2022.

This means the job must be done by December 2027. The council says this is "in the interests of proper planning and sustainable development".

Primark recently told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that "we know how much our customers in Laois would love a bigger Penneys"

There were no submissions made about the application from the public.

The proposal seeks to expand Portlaoise Penneys into two vacant units in the shopping centre, Unit 132 and Unit 24 at mall level.

The existing shop will nearly double in size from 1,456 m² to approximately 2,874 m².

There will be internal alterations including reconfiguration of the sales floor, expansion of the stockroom, and upgrading of staff
facilities such as offices, changing rooms, toilets, and a canteen.

New emergency exits will be constructed and existing door openings will be widened or blocked up as necessary, all to meet fire safety regulations. A new external plant enclosure will be installed at roof level to support the expanded services.

Read also: Laois business to expand and create jobs as council agrees land lease

Roof works will include three new 1,200mm x 1,200mm roof openings to accommodate smoke extract ductwork.
New branded signage will be installed as part of the extension, including white LED illuminated “Penneys” letters.

When first granted in 2020, a similar expansion of the Portlaoise store was expected to be complete within nine months, and a spokesperson said it would likely require double the number of staff.