DEVELOPER Pat Boyle has major plans for the former Cope supermarket in Burtonport after purchasing the well known building.
Mr Boyle, who owns the company PJ Boyle Construction, revealed to the Donegal News this week that work to revamp the landmark property will begin within four weeks.
He intends to divide the building into two units and open a PVC flat roofing company in one section, bringing employment to the area.
“We hope by the end of next year to employ ten people there. We are going to refurbish the building,” he said.
PJ Boyle Construction purchased the building at auction for €70,000 and intend to invest around €100,000 to bring it back to life.
Originally opened in 1921 as a community business creating sustainable employment, the Burtonport branch of The Cope closed in 2006.
Mr Boyle said the other part of the building could be used to open a supermarket or may be rented out, both options are under consideration.
“We’re not sure whether we are going to rent the premises out or open a supermarket ourselves. That’s up in there air. Someone has shown interest in it so we are in negotiations,” he said.
“It is a good story for the area. With some investment and some TLC we will smarten it up and redevelop it.
“One of the biggest problems with the building is the roof and we own a roofing company so it was a no brainer for us. It is a fine site and a well appointed plot.”
Like everyone in the building trade Mr Boyle is feeling the impact of the rising costs of raw materials.
He said roofing costs have more than doubled in the last twelve months which is down to many factors including Brexit and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“That is all having a significant impact every month, the cost of raw materials are going up. In saying that we are fortunate enough to be busy.”
The company have big projects on their books including the Primark store in Belfast which they have just completed.
Mr Boyle’s family is from Burtonport, his mother was born in the town and his grandfather JF O’Donnell built O’Donnell’s Hotel.
Burtonport is undergoing a revival at the moment with the redevelopment of the harbour. Mr Boyle said it is fabulous to see the regeneration of the area and hopes the Cope project will go hand in hand with the works going on around the port.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)