Caseys Furniture, a retailer with over a century of history in Ireland, has filed plans with Cork City Council to relocate its city centre operations to a converted former printing facility in Mahon Retail Park. The proposed development, which includes a showroom and café, aims to repurpose the 1.4-hectare site to accommodate a modern retail warehouse model by 2027.
Relocation Plans for Cork’s Historic Furniture Retailer
John Casey Ltd, the parent company of the furniture chain, submitted a formal planning application to Cork City Council this month. The proposal outlines the conversion of the former Webprint facility into a large-scale furniture showroom. According to the planning documents, the project involves reconfiguring the existing structure, which ranges from one to five storeys, to house more than 4,600sqm of net retail warehouse space across the ground and first floors.
The company confirmed it intends to move from its long-standing premises on Oliver Plunkett Street and Grand Parade. However, John Casey Ltd stated it remains “fully committed to supporting a thriving and growing city centre in Cork” and will continue operating at its current locations until future uses for those properties are secured. The retailer has already commissioned an architect and property agent to conduct a feasibility study regarding the potential redevelopment of the city centre sites.
Sustainable Reuse of Brownfield Infrastructure
The transition to the Mahon site represents a shift toward the reuse of existing industrial infrastructure. Coakley O’Neill, acting on behalf of the developer, stated that the project “will facilitate the sustainable reuse and regeneration of brownfield urban land.” The firm noted that the former Webprint site, which ceased printing operations in August 2025, is currently vacant. By moving into the facility, Caseys Furniture intends to keep the site in “active employment use.”
Architectural plans for the site include softening the building’s appearance to create a more “welcoming identity.” The redesign features a new entrance lobby, a first-floor customer café with an adjoining balcony, and the retention of 28 existing parking spaces. If the proposal receives approval, the facility is expected to employ 18 staff members during a standard working week.
Pro tip: When evaluating retail trends, look for the “brownfield transition”—where retailers move from historic, multi-storey urban buildings to larger, single-level warehouse environments that offer better logistics and accessibility for bulky goods like furniture.
Projected Growth and Economic Impact
Financial projections included in the planning application suggest a significant growth trajectory for the new location. John Casey Ltd forecasts that the new store will achieve an annual turnover exceeding €11.6 million by 2030. The company, which was founded in 1921 by John Casey, currently employs approximately 75 people across its stores in Cork, Limerick, and Dublin.
Cork City Council is expected to issue a decision on the planning application by September 3, 2026. Should the plans be approved, the company anticipates the new Mahon store will be operational by 2027, operating between 10am and 6pm Monday through Saturday, and from 12pm on Sundays.
Did you know? Adaptive reuse of industrial printing facilities is becoming a common trend in urban planning. These buildings often feature high ceilings and large floor plates, which are ideal for retail showrooms that require expansive space for furniture displays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the new Caseys Furniture store expected to open?
If the planning permission is granted by the council, the store is projected to be completed and operational in 2027.
What will happen to the current city centre stores?
Caseys Furniture will maintain its presence at the Oliver Plunkett Street and Grand Parade premises until future uses for those properties are secured. The company is currently exploring redevelopment options for these sites.
How many people will the new location employ?
The new facility at Mahon Retail Park is expected to employ 18 staff members across a standard working week.
What is the status of the Mahon site?
The site formerly housed the Webprint printing facility, which ceased operations in August 2025. It is currently vacant.
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