LK BENNETT ON ITS WAY TO DUNDRUM LUXURY retailer LK Bennett is to open its first standalone store in Ireland at the Dundrum town centre in April. The retailer will open a 517.8sq m (5602sq ft) premises early that month showcasing a full range of clothing and accessories.

Located in Town Square near Harvey Nichols, the imminent arrival is expected to strengthen the centre's position as a fashion hub.

"Irish consumers are very fashion and brand aware so the imminent arrival of LK Bennett with its offering of apparel and accessories will be eagerly anticipated, " says Don Nugent, director of the Dundrum town centre. "LK Bennett will further enhance our existing retail mix of cutting-edge fashion brands, further demonstrating Dundrum's commitment to answering Irish consumers' demands."

LK Bennett joins recent store openings including Ireland's "rst standalone Mexx store, Sisley - part of the Benetton Group - and Australian franchise success story Secrets Shhh, who have chosen Dundrum to launch their first venture into the Irish market showcasing their unique costume jewellery concept.

LAUNCH OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SOLICITORS A NEW legal practice with an expertise in commercial property transactions was launched last week. Lenman Solicitors, set up by John Hogan and Larry Fenelon, will provide a full complement of legal solutions to small and medium-sized businesses and private clients.

"From the green field to the skyscraper, the developer to the new tenant, we can advise on all aspects of commercial property deals, " said John Hogan.

NEW APPOINTMENTS AT BANNON BANNON Commercial has just announced the appointment of three new associates who come from different departments of the expanding practice: Niall Brereton who deals with land sales, compulsory purchases and development land opportunities; Brian Cleary who heads up the management team; and Paul Fahey from retail. These promotions add to the continuing momentum of the practice which has trebled in size over the last three years.

WATERUNDER SITE FOR SALE A 24-ACRE site on the outskirts of Drogheda zoned for commercial development is expected to fetch in the region of Euro15m when it's sold at auction next month. The landmark site at Waterunder is prominently positioned close to Woodies DIY and just off the M1 motorway on the north side of the town.

"This really is one of the finest commercial sites to come on the market in this locality for quite a while, " says Frank Flynn of auctioneers Robert B Daly. "The industrial estates in Drogheda are virtually full. We've almost reached saturation point - there's hardly a sod left around the town.

"There has been very little land zoned for commercial use in this area for the last number of years. For that reason it's probably no surprise that any land that has come to market has been snapped up.

"You could describe the location as close to an iconic corner beside Woodies and the M1 retail park. It's close to the town and within 20 minutes of Dublin airport."

The land is situated within two different local authorities. Circa 2.1 acres is within the Drogheda borough council area and is zoned "RP" which is to provide for the development of a retail warehouse park.

Circa 21.3 acres is located within the Louth county council area and is zoned "to provide for employment use".

"Industrial units are making up to Euro140 per sq ft in Drogheda right now, " says Flynn. "We actually have a waiting list of clients waiting to take up units in whatever development goes ahead on the site. We would expect to "ll 30% of that area off the plans.

The site will be sold in the auctioneer's salesrooms on Friday 9 March.

Further information from Robert B Daly auctioneers, Drogheda, Co Louth; 041-983 8607.

LANDS AT BELVIEW PORT FOR SALE STRATEGICALLY located lands at Belview Port are being offered for sale by tender on Wednedsay 14 March by joint agents CB Richard Ellis and Purcell Properties with a guidig price of Euro9m. The 6.98 hectares of lands, located on the east side of the N29 close to Waterford City, have the benefit of full planning permission for 13,936sq m of industrial units and office development.

The local planning objective for Bellview is to provide for port and industrial development within a planning framework. The port area is served by two railway lines and has direct access, via the N29 road, to and from national primary route N25 (Euroroute E30).

According to Michael Rooche of joint Agents CB Richard Ellis: "We believe that due to the strategic location of the lands, the property will appeal to both the developer and owner occupier alike, particularly those involved in port related uses'."

Further information from joint selling agents CB Richard Ellis, 01618 5500, or Purcell Properties, 051-876 514.