Naas underground carpark expected to open by end of October
The entrance to the carpark at the new Naas Shopping Centre
WHILE the optimism of the Mayor of Naas was well-founded with the news about Sr David’s Castle, it was a little premature with regard to the imminent opening of the underground car park in the Naas Shopping Centre (NSC).
Cllr Seamie Moore had posted that the first tranche of 250 spaces at the NSC underground car park would be ready before the end of September, owner Ger Roche has confirmed that it might be as much as two months, but that depending on circumstances, it could be shorter than that.
“It’s all ready, it’s painted, and it’s coming on good,” confirmed Mr Roche as to the progress made at the back entrance off Corban’s Lane.
“The landscaping is in next week, and all we are waiting for is a pump for the sprinkler system,” He said.
“It could be six weeks to two months. Whenever the pump arrives we’ll open,” he confirmed.
“We’re ready after nearly 20 years, and we’re down to weeks,” he stated.
However, he was in full agreement with cllr Moore’s assertion as regards the additional 600 spaces that they’d be opened some time in 2026.
“Oh yeah. The further 600 are on track for 2026,” he confirmed.
“That will be of some benefit to the centre of Naas,” the ventured.
“Oh, it’ll help for sure,” said the understated Mayoman.
And as for the €64,000 question with regard to the Holy Grail of an anchor tenant, Ger Roche was his straight up self.
“We’re still waiting, but I’ve no doubt that when the car par is fully open the anchor [tenant] will arrive,” he said.
“As of now there’s no anchor, but it will come, I’ve no doubt in the world,” he said.
“And if it doesn’t come, it’ll be something else. It won’t be idle. And that’s from the horse’s mouth,” he concluded.
“Good luck, and thanks to The Roche family for this news,” offered Cllr Moore generously.
Ger Roche is believed to have got the landmark 1.54Ha (3.8ac) site from NAMA for an estimated €4.5m back in 2020, and is believed to have spent a further €10-15m on fitting it out.
The Shopping Centre - mothballed at 90 per cent completion in 2008 - was originally designed for 44 units, with 747 car park spaces over 22,800sqm (245,000sqft), although it is expected the latest iteration will be kept at an anchor tenant and 28 units.
