Tuesday 25 November 2008

Limerick retail development project granted

A HUGE city centre retail development has been given the go-ahead in Limerick. However, a sole objector may hold up the project indefinitely.

Limerick City Council has granted planning permission for the ambitious project. Up to 600 jobs will be created in the €40 million project.

The five-storey commercial building will have 55,000 sq ft of offices and 5,000 sq ft of ground floor retail units.

The site is framed by Catherine Street, Glentworth Street and Mallow Street and the development will provide 110 basement car parking spaces.

The project is being undertaken by the Catherine Street Partnership, a business consortium.

The development area, which includes the former printing works’ site of the Limerick Leader newspaper is adjacent to O’Connell Street.

Zoned commercial, the site forms part of the city area identified by Limerick City Council for conservation and re-generation.

A spokesman said: “Portion of the site has been derelict for many years and is periodically a focus for anti-social behaviour.

“In particular, there will be a broad public welcome for the proposal to completely renovate the intimidating and unwelcoming laneway connecting Catherine Street and Glentworth, with proper street lighting and safe and attractive surface treatment,” the spokesman added.

The project has been well received by local businesses and residents who will see it as creating critical mass of commercial and amenity infrastructure in an area which is earmarked for significant investment by Limerick City Council.

The building design is by award winning architects, Murray O Laoire.

Any appeal to An Bord Pleanála could lead to a major overhaul of the scheme.

Irish Examiner

www.buckplanning.ie

No comments: