NORTHERN QUARTER: THE €750 million Northern Quarter, conceived by Arnotts, was to see the transformation of 5.5 acres of land in the north inner city into a new shopping, entertainment and residential area.
Arnotts unveiled details of its ambitions in September 2006, applying for planning permission for a development of 47 shops, 189 apartments, a 152-bed four-star hotel and 17 cafes, restaurants and bars, a roof garden and underground parking for 700 vehicles.
After the company was taken private in June 2003 for €255 million, management started to acquire a large portfolio of property in the area and executive chairman Richard Nesbitt hinted that it would soon develop “the sort of world-class retailing that you would expect for the centre of a capital city”. Announcing the scheme in 2006, Mr Nesbitt said: “The Northern Quarter will write the next chapter in the evolving history of Dublin city, retaining the charm of an open-street environment but overlaying it with the dynamism and diversity of a modern European capital.”
The plan was to recreate Prince’s Street as a pedestrian thoroughfare connecting O’Connell Street to Henry Street with a public square at the heart of the development. Arnotts, which has traded on Henry Street for 167 years, was to be demolished and replaced with a new 30,000sq m store, trading over six levels.
When completed, the Northern Quarter – bordered by Middle Abbey Street, Henry Street and Liffey Street – was expected to employ over 5,000 people, with one-fifth in the new Arnotts store.
Arnotts was to provide 80 per cent of the funding but sought strategic partners for the remainder. HKR Architects were employed to consult on the project and subject to permission it was expected to be complete in 2010 and generate 1,000 construction jobs.
In July 2008, An Bord Pleanála gave Arnotts the green light for the development with planning permission granted subject to 26 conditions, including the preservation of several protected buildings and a stipulation that the development be lower rise with fewer car spaces. It was reported that Dublin City Council was planning to use compulsory purchase orders to acquire properties to facilitate the development of the scheme.
As late as August 2009, the council’s weekly planning list shows it was requesting more information on the project.
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label arnotts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arnotts. Show all posts
Monday, 2 August 2010
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Arnotts forks out €6m on Kiely's pub for stubborn retailers
Arnotts has been forced to purchase a pub to house six small businesses that had refused to make way for the department store's mammoth redevelopment plans.
The €750m Northern Quarter project which will revolutionise Dublin's most famous shopping centre was given the green light by council planners in July.
However, the Sunday Tribune can reveal the retail giant paid around €6m for the Kiely's pub and K3 premises on the nearby Upper Abbey Street in order to provide new retail homes for neighbouring businesses that were reluctant to move.
As well as the new premises significant cash deals were also given to the shopkeepers and the way has now been cleared for construction works.
It is understood the businesses were reluctant to sacrifice their central Abbey Street addresses for a cash deal alone, forcing Arnotts to increase their offer to include new premises.
The deal took around 12 months to hammer out and it is believed the popular Kiely's pub will also be redeveloped to accommodate the mixed retailers.
Sources familiar with the deal told the Sunday Tribune that while the overall cost of the payout was significant it was not-unexpected, and in keeping with similar deals in other major schemes.
Arnotts, which is still some time away from beginning development works in the north side of the city, declined to comment on the deal last week.
"As with all developments of this nature these things need to be done and they cost," the source said. "But it's not unusual and it just proceeds the way it has to."
The deal worked out between Arnotts management and the six retailers has now left the path clear for the mammoth redevelopment project which will begin towards the end of next year.
"It's been going on for a while, for quite some time, but that is no surprise, it is the nature of things," the source said.
An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the ambitious project in late July and its construction is expected to create some 5,000 jobs. The five-and-a-half acre site is bordered by Henry Street, Liffey Street, Middle Abbey Street and O'Connell Street.
On completion it will comprise 47 shops, 14 cafes, 117 apartments, a 143 bedroom hotel as well as restaurants and bars.
HKR Architects, who are heading up the design of the new development, had originally envisaged a landmark 16-storey structure.
However this was later scaled back by the planning appeals body who deemed it too high, referring to the design as "unduly obtrusive" and a characteristic that would "seriously detract from the balance and architectural coherence of these streets." As a result the plans were dramatically revised, reducing the overall height to just seven storeys, less than half the original proposal.
The number of parking spaces and apartments was also reconsidered, a move which all together should reduce the build cost from a total of €1bn to €750m. When works commence, the department store will relocate to the former Debenhams store in the neighbouring Jervis Centre.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
The €750m Northern Quarter project which will revolutionise Dublin's most famous shopping centre was given the green light by council planners in July.
However, the Sunday Tribune can reveal the retail giant paid around €6m for the Kiely's pub and K3 premises on the nearby Upper Abbey Street in order to provide new retail homes for neighbouring businesses that were reluctant to move.
As well as the new premises significant cash deals were also given to the shopkeepers and the way has now been cleared for construction works.
It is understood the businesses were reluctant to sacrifice their central Abbey Street addresses for a cash deal alone, forcing Arnotts to increase their offer to include new premises.
The deal took around 12 months to hammer out and it is believed the popular Kiely's pub will also be redeveloped to accommodate the mixed retailers.
Sources familiar with the deal told the Sunday Tribune that while the overall cost of the payout was significant it was not-unexpected, and in keeping with similar deals in other major schemes.
Arnotts, which is still some time away from beginning development works in the north side of the city, declined to comment on the deal last week.
"As with all developments of this nature these things need to be done and they cost," the source said. "But it's not unusual and it just proceeds the way it has to."
The deal worked out between Arnotts management and the six retailers has now left the path clear for the mammoth redevelopment project which will begin towards the end of next year.
"It's been going on for a while, for quite some time, but that is no surprise, it is the nature of things," the source said.
An Bord Pleanála granted permission for the ambitious project in late July and its construction is expected to create some 5,000 jobs. The five-and-a-half acre site is bordered by Henry Street, Liffey Street, Middle Abbey Street and O'Connell Street.
On completion it will comprise 47 shops, 14 cafes, 117 apartments, a 143 bedroom hotel as well as restaurants and bars.
HKR Architects, who are heading up the design of the new development, had originally envisaged a landmark 16-storey structure.
However this was later scaled back by the planning appeals body who deemed it too high, referring to the design as "unduly obtrusive" and a characteristic that would "seriously detract from the balance and architectural coherence of these streets." As a result the plans were dramatically revised, reducing the overall height to just seven storeys, less than half the original proposal.
The number of parking spaces and apartments was also reconsidered, a move which all together should reduce the build cost from a total of €1bn to €750m. When works commence, the department store will relocate to the former Debenhams store in the neighbouring Jervis Centre.
Sunday Tribune
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Arnotts says €750m Dublin plan will 'definitely proceed'
DUBLIN'S PROPOSED "Northern Quarter" retail district, for which An Bord Pleanála has granted approval, "is definitely going to proceed" despite the credit crunch and the associated economic downtown, a spokesman for Arnotts said last night.
The department store, which is spearheading the €750 million development, welcomed yesterday's planning decision, saying it was "delighted" - even though the appeals board substantially reduced the scale of the scheme, including the omission of a 16-storey tower.
A spokesman for Arnotts' chairman, Richard Nesbitt, said the board's decision "brings certainty to the whole Northern Quarter" after a lengthy planning process that had gone on for more than two years.
The spokesman said Arnotts and HKR Architects, which designed the scheme - and then had to redesign it at An Bord Pleanála's request - would be working with Dublin City Council in coming months to deal with the various conditions - 26, in all - laid down by the board.
"They [Arnotts] are very positive about this project and there's no question of it not going ahead. It is definitely going to proceed," the spokesman said, adding that "Mr Nesbitt sees this a long-term play by Arnotts".
The company would now be "working out a timeline before making firm decisions" and, given that the proposed development would take at least four years to complete, "it will be interesting to see what the economic landscape will be like then".
The 5½-acre site incorporates a prominent part of the city centre bounded by Henry Street, O'Connell Street, Middle Abbey Street and Upper Liffey Street.
According to HKR, it would turn Dublin's north inner city into a "state-of-the-art prime retail location".
"HKR's design for the regeneration of the Northern Quarter will create a unique and lively shopping and entertainment hub in the heart of Dublin's city centre" that would include a four-star hotel, 47 new shops, 14 cafes and bars and 121 apartments.
Jerry Ryan, HKR's managing director, described the scheme as "one of the largest and most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in Dublin's city centre" and said his firm was "looking forward to moving forward and realising this project".
With some 90,000sq m (968,752sq ft) of commercial space, including major extensions to both Arnotts and Penneys department stores, the Northern Quarter is intended to complement the Dublin central retail precinct planned for the Carlton and adjoining sites on O'Connell Street.
Arnotts granted planning permission for scaled-down Northern Quarter plan: page 5; Editorial comment: 13
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The department store, which is spearheading the €750 million development, welcomed yesterday's planning decision, saying it was "delighted" - even though the appeals board substantially reduced the scale of the scheme, including the omission of a 16-storey tower.
A spokesman for Arnotts' chairman, Richard Nesbitt, said the board's decision "brings certainty to the whole Northern Quarter" after a lengthy planning process that had gone on for more than two years.
The spokesman said Arnotts and HKR Architects, which designed the scheme - and then had to redesign it at An Bord Pleanála's request - would be working with Dublin City Council in coming months to deal with the various conditions - 26, in all - laid down by the board.
"They [Arnotts] are very positive about this project and there's no question of it not going ahead. It is definitely going to proceed," the spokesman said, adding that "Mr Nesbitt sees this a long-term play by Arnotts".
The company would now be "working out a timeline before making firm decisions" and, given that the proposed development would take at least four years to complete, "it will be interesting to see what the economic landscape will be like then".
The 5½-acre site incorporates a prominent part of the city centre bounded by Henry Street, O'Connell Street, Middle Abbey Street and Upper Liffey Street.
According to HKR, it would turn Dublin's north inner city into a "state-of-the-art prime retail location".
"HKR's design for the regeneration of the Northern Quarter will create a unique and lively shopping and entertainment hub in the heart of Dublin's city centre" that would include a four-star hotel, 47 new shops, 14 cafes and bars and 121 apartments.
Jerry Ryan, HKR's managing director, described the scheme as "one of the largest and most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in Dublin's city centre" and said his firm was "looking forward to moving forward and realising this project".
With some 90,000sq m (968,752sq ft) of commercial space, including major extensions to both Arnotts and Penneys department stores, the Northern Quarter is intended to complement the Dublin central retail precinct planned for the Carlton and adjoining sites on O'Connell Street.
Arnotts granted planning permission for scaled-down Northern Quarter plan: page 5; Editorial comment: 13
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Monday, 28 July 2008
'Northern Quarter' gets the green light from the Board
An Bord Pleanála has today given the go-ahead for a major redevelopment by Arnotts in Dublin city centre.
The company is planning a €750 million redevelopment of a 5.5-acre block bordered by Henry Street, Middle Abbey Street, Liffey Street and O'Connell Street into a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, called "Northern Quarter".
An Bord Pleanála gave the green light subject to 26 conditions, including the preservation of several protected buildings in the area.
An Post, An Taisce and the Rail Procurement Agency were among the parties that had appealed planning permission for the scheme, which was granted by Dublin City Council last summer.
Among the conditions laid down, an Bord Pleanála has ruled that the developer has to provide for 24-hour public access to all of the proposed new public streets and spaces, including Abbey Square.
The board also said there must also be a year-round festival ticket office at ground-floor level, appropriate childcare facilities, and an archaeological appraisal of the site.
An independent road safety audit must be done, and a parking-management plan prepared and agreed with the planning authority, the board stipulated.
Details of shopfront design - including any associated signage, lettering, lighting or security screens - is subject to a further application for planning permission.
An Arnotts spokesman said: “We are delighted with the news. It gives certainty to the very ambitious Northern Quarter project. We will work with the city council to deal with the various conditions An Bord Pleanála has made.”
The retailer refused to comment on a previous announcement that 580 of its 950 staff will be let go when the store moves temporarily to Jervis Street Shopping Centre, which is one-third the size of Henry Street site.
Boyers on North Earl Street will also be converted to an Arnotts furniture and home store.
“The news has come a bit faster than expected, so Arnotts will now sit down to assess the detail of what will happen next,” the spokesman added. “Over the next few weeks, management will also work to bring clarity to the workers.”
Linda Tanham, an official with trade union Mandate, which represents most Arnotts’ workers, said staff are still unsure as to what will happen next. “We are expecting to meet with management this week to get an update on a timescale for trading and intended job losses,” she added.
When completed, the Northern Quarter – bordered by the Middle Abbey Street, Henry Street, and Liffey Street - is expected to employ over 5,000 people, with one-fifth of those working in the new Arnotts store.
It is envisaged one of the main features will be the re-creation of Prince’s Street as an urban street and pedestrian thoroughfare with a new public square at its centre.
Welcoming the decision, Jerry Ryan, managing director of HKR Architects, said: “This is one of the largest and most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in Dublin’s city centre and is an exciting and challenging project for HKR.“
Gina Quin, chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said the massive redevelopment will reinvigorate the heart of Dublin city centre.
“Not only will it have a significant impact on the city’s retail variety and range of offerings, but this development will also help to transform the Henry Street area into a vibrant residential, leisure and entertainment hub,” she said.
“The Northern Quarter will offer residents, shoppers and tourists a wide range of activities in the evenings and will play an important part in the transformation of Dublin’s city centre into that of a world class city with a quality of life that is second to none.”
The Construction Industry Federation said the scheme will make a huge contribution to the sector.
“There are a number of large scale projects in the pipeline or which have already begun and the Arnotts redevelopment is a huge construction opportunity, particularly for those in commercial construction,” a said spokesman.
In April, an Bord Pleanála had rejected several aspects of the development, which is planned for the site of the department store in Dublin - including a proposed 16-storey tower.
The board told Arnotts to cut the height of the tower by nine storeys and ensure that no other building in the development was higher than seven.
In its letter to Arnotts, the board said then the development would be "unduly obtrusive on the skyline" and would "seriously detract from the balance and architectural coherence of these streets".
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The company is planning a €750 million redevelopment of a 5.5-acre block bordered by Henry Street, Middle Abbey Street, Liffey Street and O'Connell Street into a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, called "Northern Quarter".
An Bord Pleanála gave the green light subject to 26 conditions, including the preservation of several protected buildings in the area.
An Post, An Taisce and the Rail Procurement Agency were among the parties that had appealed planning permission for the scheme, which was granted by Dublin City Council last summer.
Among the conditions laid down, an Bord Pleanála has ruled that the developer has to provide for 24-hour public access to all of the proposed new public streets and spaces, including Abbey Square.
The board also said there must also be a year-round festival ticket office at ground-floor level, appropriate childcare facilities, and an archaeological appraisal of the site.
An independent road safety audit must be done, and a parking-management plan prepared and agreed with the planning authority, the board stipulated.
Details of shopfront design - including any associated signage, lettering, lighting or security screens - is subject to a further application for planning permission.
An Arnotts spokesman said: “We are delighted with the news. It gives certainty to the very ambitious Northern Quarter project. We will work with the city council to deal with the various conditions An Bord Pleanála has made.”
The retailer refused to comment on a previous announcement that 580 of its 950 staff will be let go when the store moves temporarily to Jervis Street Shopping Centre, which is one-third the size of Henry Street site.
Boyers on North Earl Street will also be converted to an Arnotts furniture and home store.
“The news has come a bit faster than expected, so Arnotts will now sit down to assess the detail of what will happen next,” the spokesman added. “Over the next few weeks, management will also work to bring clarity to the workers.”
Linda Tanham, an official with trade union Mandate, which represents most Arnotts’ workers, said staff are still unsure as to what will happen next. “We are expecting to meet with management this week to get an update on a timescale for trading and intended job losses,” she added.
When completed, the Northern Quarter – bordered by the Middle Abbey Street, Henry Street, and Liffey Street - is expected to employ over 5,000 people, with one-fifth of those working in the new Arnotts store.
It is envisaged one of the main features will be the re-creation of Prince’s Street as an urban street and pedestrian thoroughfare with a new public square at its centre.
Welcoming the decision, Jerry Ryan, managing director of HKR Architects, said: “This is one of the largest and most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in Dublin’s city centre and is an exciting and challenging project for HKR.“
Gina Quin, chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said the massive redevelopment will reinvigorate the heart of Dublin city centre.
“Not only will it have a significant impact on the city’s retail variety and range of offerings, but this development will also help to transform the Henry Street area into a vibrant residential, leisure and entertainment hub,” she said.
“The Northern Quarter will offer residents, shoppers and tourists a wide range of activities in the evenings and will play an important part in the transformation of Dublin’s city centre into that of a world class city with a quality of life that is second to none.”
The Construction Industry Federation said the scheme will make a huge contribution to the sector.
“There are a number of large scale projects in the pipeline or which have already begun and the Arnotts redevelopment is a huge construction opportunity, particularly for those in commercial construction,” a said spokesman.
In April, an Bord Pleanála had rejected several aspects of the development, which is planned for the site of the department store in Dublin - including a proposed 16-storey tower.
The board told Arnotts to cut the height of the tower by nine storeys and ensure that no other building in the development was higher than seven.
In its letter to Arnotts, the board said then the development would be "unduly obtrusive on the skyline" and would "seriously detract from the balance and architectural coherence of these streets".
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
'Northern Quarter' gets the gree light
An Bord Pleanála has today given the go-ahead for a major redevelopment by Arnotts in Dublin city centre.
The company is planning a €750 million redevelopment of a 5.5-acre block bordered by Henry Street, Middle Abbey Street, Liffey Street and O'Connell Street into a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, called "Northern Quarter".
An Bord Pleanála gave the green light subject to 26 conditions, including the preservation of several protected buildings in the area.
An Post, An Taisce and the Rail Procurement Agency were among the parties that had appealed planning permission for the scheme, which was granted by Dublin City Council last summer.
Among the conditions laid down, an Bord Pleanála has ruled that the developer has to provide for 24-hour public access to all of the proposed new public streets and spaces, including Abbey Square.
The board also said there must also be a year-round festival ticket office at ground-floor level, appropriate childcare facilities, and an archaeological appraisal of the site.
An independent road safety audit must be done, and a parking-management plan prepared and agreed with the planning authority, the board stipulated.
Details of shopfront design - including any associated signage, lettering, lighting or security screens - is subject to a further application for planning permission.
An Arnotts spokesman said: “We are delighted with the news. It gives certainty to the very ambitious Northern Quarter project. We will work with the city council to deal with the various conditions An Bord Pleanála has made.”
The retailer refused to comment on a previous announcement that 580 of its 950 staff will be let go when the store moves temporarily to Jervis Street Shopping Centre, which is one-third the size of Henry Street site.
Boyers on North Earl Street will also be converted to an Arnotts furniture and home store.
“The news has come a bit faster than expected, so Arnotts will now sit down to assess the detail of what will happen next,” the spokesman added. “Over the next few weeks, management will also work to bring clarity to the workers.”
Linda Tanham, an official with trade union Mandate, which represents most Arnotts’ workers, said staff are still unsure as to what will happen next. “We are expecting to meet with management this week to get an update on a timescale for trading and intended job losses,” she added.
When completed, the Northern Quarter – bordered by the Middle Abbey Street, Henry Street, and Liffey Street - is expected to employ over 5,000 people, with one-fifth of those working in the new Arnotts store.
It is envisaged one of the main features will be the re-creation of Prince’s Street as an urban street and pedestrian thoroughfare with a new public square at its centre.
Welcoming the decision, Jerry Ryan, managing director of HKR Architects, said: “This is one of the largest and most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in Dublin’s city centre and is an exciting and challenging project for HKR.“
Gina Quin, chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said the massive redevelopment will reinvigorate the heart of Dublin city centre.
“Not only will it have a significant impact on the city’s retail variety and range of offerings, but this development will also help to transform the Henry Street area into a vibrant residential, leisure and entertainment hub,” she said.
“The Northern Quarter will offer residents, shoppers and tourists a wide range of activities in the evenings and will play an important part in the transformation of Dublin’s city centre into that of a world class city with a quality of life that is second to none.”
The Construction Industry Federation said the scheme will make a huge contribution to the sector.
“There are a number of large scale projects in the pipeline or which have already begun and the Arnotts redevelopment is a huge construction opportunity, particularly for those in commercial construction,” a said spokesman.
In April, an Bord Pleanála had rejected several aspects of the development, which is planned for the site of the department store in Dublin - including a proposed 16-storey tower.
The board told Arnotts to cut the height of the tower by nine storeys and ensure that no other building in the development was higher than seven.
In its letter to Arnotts, the board said then the development would be "unduly obtrusive on the skyline" and would "seriously detract from the balance and architectural coherence of these streets".
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
The company is planning a €750 million redevelopment of a 5.5-acre block bordered by Henry Street, Middle Abbey Street, Liffey Street and O'Connell Street into a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, called "Northern Quarter".
An Bord Pleanála gave the green light subject to 26 conditions, including the preservation of several protected buildings in the area.
An Post, An Taisce and the Rail Procurement Agency were among the parties that had appealed planning permission for the scheme, which was granted by Dublin City Council last summer.
Among the conditions laid down, an Bord Pleanála has ruled that the developer has to provide for 24-hour public access to all of the proposed new public streets and spaces, including Abbey Square.
The board also said there must also be a year-round festival ticket office at ground-floor level, appropriate childcare facilities, and an archaeological appraisal of the site.
An independent road safety audit must be done, and a parking-management plan prepared and agreed with the planning authority, the board stipulated.
Details of shopfront design - including any associated signage, lettering, lighting or security screens - is subject to a further application for planning permission.
An Arnotts spokesman said: “We are delighted with the news. It gives certainty to the very ambitious Northern Quarter project. We will work with the city council to deal with the various conditions An Bord Pleanála has made.”
The retailer refused to comment on a previous announcement that 580 of its 950 staff will be let go when the store moves temporarily to Jervis Street Shopping Centre, which is one-third the size of Henry Street site.
Boyers on North Earl Street will also be converted to an Arnotts furniture and home store.
“The news has come a bit faster than expected, so Arnotts will now sit down to assess the detail of what will happen next,” the spokesman added. “Over the next few weeks, management will also work to bring clarity to the workers.”
Linda Tanham, an official with trade union Mandate, which represents most Arnotts’ workers, said staff are still unsure as to what will happen next. “We are expecting to meet with management this week to get an update on a timescale for trading and intended job losses,” she added.
When completed, the Northern Quarter – bordered by the Middle Abbey Street, Henry Street, and Liffey Street - is expected to employ over 5,000 people, with one-fifth of those working in the new Arnotts store.
It is envisaged one of the main features will be the re-creation of Prince’s Street as an urban street and pedestrian thoroughfare with a new public square at its centre.
Welcoming the decision, Jerry Ryan, managing director of HKR Architects, said: “This is one of the largest and most significant regeneration projects to be undertaken in Dublin’s city centre and is an exciting and challenging project for HKR.“
Gina Quin, chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said the massive redevelopment will reinvigorate the heart of Dublin city centre.
“Not only will it have a significant impact on the city’s retail variety and range of offerings, but this development will also help to transform the Henry Street area into a vibrant residential, leisure and entertainment hub,” she said.
“The Northern Quarter will offer residents, shoppers and tourists a wide range of activities in the evenings and will play an important part in the transformation of Dublin’s city centre into that of a world class city with a quality of life that is second to none.”
The Construction Industry Federation said the scheme will make a huge contribution to the sector.
“There are a number of large scale projects in the pipeline or which have already begun and the Arnotts redevelopment is a huge construction opportunity, particularly for those in commercial construction,” a said spokesman.
In April, an Bord Pleanála had rejected several aspects of the development, which is planned for the site of the department store in Dublin - including a proposed 16-storey tower.
The board told Arnotts to cut the height of the tower by nine storeys and ensure that no other building in the development was higher than seven.
In its letter to Arnotts, the board said then the development would be "unduly obtrusive on the skyline" and would "seriously detract from the balance and architectural coherence of these streets".
Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Arnotts plan facing delays
ARNOTTS has been told to dramatically reduce building heights and car-parking provision in its Northern Quarter development in Dublin by the planning appeals board.
And redesigning key aspects of the proposal means a decision on whether the project in the Abbey Street/Henry Street area will be approved is unlikely before September.
The €1bn development, which was to be completed by 2011, would see an eight-acre site transformed into a shopping and residential quarter. Almost 50 shops, a revamped Arnotts, 14 cafes, restaurants, 175 apartments and a 149-bedroom hotel are planned.
But the project could be delayed because An Bord Pleanala is unhappy with aspects. In a letter to Arnotts' planning consultants the board says that "certain information" is necessary before an appeal can be considered and that the plans must be revised.
Among the concerns is that there is too much car-parking on site, which could interfere with the operation of Luas and lead to congestion in the city.
It has instructed Arnotts that it will have to make do with the 350 already on site.
More public space must be included in the plans.
But the issue of building height is likely to cause the most problems for the developer.
The board said that the plans would be "unduly obtrusive" on the skyline and "seriously detract" from the architecture of the street.
The information must be received by June 5, and a public hearing into the scheme may be re-opened.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
And redesigning key aspects of the proposal means a decision on whether the project in the Abbey Street/Henry Street area will be approved is unlikely before September.
The €1bn development, which was to be completed by 2011, would see an eight-acre site transformed into a shopping and residential quarter. Almost 50 shops, a revamped Arnotts, 14 cafes, restaurants, 175 apartments and a 149-bedroom hotel are planned.
But the project could be delayed because An Bord Pleanala is unhappy with aspects. In a letter to Arnotts' planning consultants the board says that "certain information" is necessary before an appeal can be considered and that the plans must be revised.
Among the concerns is that there is too much car-parking on site, which could interfere with the operation of Luas and lead to congestion in the city.
It has instructed Arnotts that it will have to make do with the 350 already on site.
More public space must be included in the plans.
But the issue of building height is likely to cause the most problems for the developer.
The board said that the plans would be "unduly obtrusive" on the skyline and "seriously detract" from the architecture of the street.
The information must be received by June 5, and a public hearing into the scheme may be re-opened.
Paul Melia
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)