'Onward and upward' for Dunnes Stores in Ferrybank as retail giant submits planning application
A long-awaited planning application by Dunnes Stores was submitted last week, which opens the doors for the retail development at Ferrybank Shopping Centre to finally commence operation.
Additional details have been revealed on a monumental breakthrough for Dunnes Stores at Ferrybank Shopping Centre.
A long-awaited planning application was submitted last week, which opens the doors for the retail development to finally commence operation after over a decade of setbacks.
A decision is expected to be made on the planning application by August 25.
The plans submitted include the change of use and amalgamation of the centre’s unoccupied car showroom and adjacent fire service corridor with the centre’s permitted retail anchor unit at ground floor level to form a new single-level anchor unit above basement car park levels.
The reconfigured anchor unit will have 3,000 sqm net of convenience floorspace, including an ancillary off-licence.
2,042 sqm net of comparison floorspace is also planned, which likely will consist of a space designated to the sale of accessories and clothing.
The first floor of the retail anchor unit, approved for the sale of comparison goods, will be repurposed into a separate leisure unit measuring 3,140 sqm.
In relation to this leisure space, planning reports outline that including leisure usage within the development is paramount.
Documents state: "For the Ferrybank shopping centre to be a viable development, it will need to offer a mix of retail, leisure, and food and beverage options, where each use benefits from synergies with the others.
"Leisure activities will gain from the profile and visitor numbers attracted by the Dunnes Stores anchor unit, as will the centre’s food court area.
"Potential leisure uses for the first-floor unit could include a gym, fitness studio, yoga centre, bowling, indoor mini-golf, golf simulators, a kids’ soft play centre, theatre, and entertainment/exhibition space.”
At a meeting of Piltown Municipal District Council last week, it was outlined that a gym may be the most likely of options.
Speaking at this meeting last week, Cllr Ger Frisby said that progress in the development has been a long time coming.
“All the hard work is starting to pay off and it's great to see. There's great excitement in the area now. Hopefully this is onward and upward. I’m sure once Dunnes get in, it will create interest for others to go in and it will give the whole area a focal point."
