The people of Cork are eagerly anticipating the potential sale and regeneration of the former Roches Stores building on Patrick Street, which has been vacant since the closure of Debenhams three years ago. The building, which has a footprint of 1.32 acres, is expected to be sold for €12m. The contracts issued to potential buyers are due back by the end of the month, and the current buyer has yet to be revealed. Cork residents spoke to The Echo about their hopes for the iconic building, with some calling for the return of Roches Stores and others suggesting the addition of a new department store, more restaurants, an Apple store, and leisure facilities. Green Party councillor Dan Boyle welcomed the news, saying that bringing life back to the building is the best news the city has had in a long time. The closure of Debenhams resulted in hundreds of job losses and lengthy strike action, but workers ended their 406-day strike in May 2021.
