Two of the big UK multiple traders, Boots and HMV, are expanding their operations in the Irish Republic. Boots is currently fitting out a 232sq m (2,500sq ft) shop at the Frascati Centre in Blackrock, Co Dublin, while HMV is to move into the former A Wear unit at Edward Square in Galway.

Colliers International handled the letting of the Frascati shop at a rent of €150,000.

The letting comes after the owners of the 30-year- old centre have lodged a planning application to enlarge the complex at a cost of about €50 million. An additional 6,000sq m (64,582sq ft) is to be added to the centre which is anchored by M&S and Debenhams.

Colliers also advised H&M when they leased 650sq m (7,000sq ft) at Edward Square where they will be paying a rent of €220,000. DNG Commercial acted for the owners of the centre.