Westmeath County Council has granted planning permission for a new €200m urban and retail quarter in Mullingar. The project, Mullingar Central, will create 3,500 construction jobs during the construction phase with work due to start on site immediately.

When completed Mullingar Central will be the largest retail centre in Ireland's midlands. The overall development will cover an area of 36,000sq m, comprising 22,000 sq m of retail, 84 residential units, 645 sq m of offices, a cultural building, cinema, more than 1,400 car spaces, a medical centre, crèche, restaurants and cafes.

The development is due for completion in spring 2011 and will result in the creation of 1,500 new jobs thereafter.

The developer, Bennett Developments, says the quarter will require 3,500 construction personnel during the construction phase. "The scheme will act as a catalyst for further investment in Mullingar and benefit the community as a whole," Eugene Moore, managing director of Bennett Developments, commented.

Mullingar-based Bennett Developments was chosen as the preferred developer by Westmeath County Council following a design competition to rejuvenate the Blackhall area in the centre of the town. Bennett has worked closely with international architects Building Design Partnership (BDP) to create an accessible urban quarter in a diverse mix of architectural styles that complement the existing urban fabric of the town.