Limerick city centre is in the middle of an economic boom, with more retail outlets than ever before opening their doors to shoppers.

Diesel was the first store to open in the new upmarket €100m City Central development that is set to regenerate the city centre and give it a new retail heart around Bedford Row.

Limerick Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the publication of the Draft City Centre Strategy, but has warned that city council must continue to demonstrate a pro-business attitude to encourage the investment required to deliver key aspects of the strategy.

The City Central Development on Bedford Row and Henry Street also includes the five-star Marriott Hotel that opened in May.

Among the other top stores set to open there are, Pamela Scott, Clarks Shoes, Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Taylor, Shuh shoe store and Tony Connolly.

Also (pictured) is an image of the building which will replace the recently demolished Grand Central Cinema, there will be retail outlets in the basement and ground floor of the structure with offices being located on the first second and third floor.

And one of Limerick's most respected restaurateurs, Ronan Brannigan, who owns Market Square restaurant, will open a quality restaurant at City Central, enhancing Bedford Row's already thriving cafe quarter.

Speaking about the city centre strategy, the chamber's president, Reg Freake, stated: "This is a very positive step in the right direction for the city and we wish to congratulate City Hall on the great work they are doing, and encourage them to step up the momentum and continue their good work.

"There is a real air of confidence in Limerick at the moment, and this is reflected in the level of investment we are seeing in the city.

Initiatives such as pedestrianisation, the Opera Centre development, the proposed Arthur's Quay development and the regeneration of the Georgian Quarter are going to transform the city in the coming years".

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Bedford Row

These are only a few examples of the projects which could be added to the city, if all parties pull together in the best interest of the city.

The chamber has brought together a sub-committee of key business people and developers who operate in the city to review the strategy, and are preparing a submission for city council.

One of the areas the chamber will be highlighting is the proposed Arthur's Quay development, which they believe should have a good mix of civic and cultural amenities.

"This is a very exciting project, but it is critical that the right mix of retail and public realm improvements is achieved. The city can only sustain a limited level of retail, and we believe this area would be an ideal location for a multi-use conference or civic centre," Mr Freake said.