Half-empty CHQ centre for sale

THE embattled CHQ shopping centre is to be put on the market by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.

The State agency is advertising for an agent to handle a sale or lease of the €50m centre (right).

The historic former tobacco warehouse was completely renovated and opened in 2007, luring exclusive retailers to the IFSC location. However, a number of key anchor tenants have pulled out due to rising rent costs and a significant drop in footfall.

Homeware group Meadows & Byrne pulled out just before Christmas and now there are just a handful of shops still in situ. Just six shop units are currently occupied and another 10 units are vacant -- the centre has never actually been fully let.