Businessmen planning major Castlebar investment

A MULTI-million euro investment is on track for Castlebar town centre.

Details have been announced of a plan to transform the former Lavelle’s Bakery and Upper Crust outlet at Bridge Street into a restaurant and retail unit with the creation of 35 jobs.

Two local businessmen, Dermot Fadden and Ivan Carroll, have lodged separate planning applications to Mayo County Council for the project.

Risk Free Fashion Limited, headed by Mr. Fadden, is seeking to build 801 square metres of retail space over three storeys to house the flagship store of his Sixth Sense men’s fashion brand.

He already has outlets in Athlone, Limerick, Clonmel, Portlaoise and Newbridge, while he acquired the former Arro Home depot at Breaffy Road last year as his firm’s distribution centre.

Changevale Limited, which is owned by Mr. Carroll, wants to convert the former Lavelle’s Bakery stone building into a spacious restaurant with access from Mill Street carpark and Linenhall Street.

The concept will be based on the Bayleaf Restaurant at Horkan’s Garden Centre, Turlough, which he has been running for the past number of years.

It is hoped work on the development will start in May and be ready to start trading before Christmas.

Said Mr. Fadden: “I am very optimistic about the future of Castlebar town centre and this is a very good time to invest in it. I can see bright times ahead.”