Decision delayed on Northern Quarter for capital

A PLANNING decision on a multi-million-euro revamp of one of Dublin city centre’s busy shopping areas has been delayed.

An announcement on the ambitious scheme, spearheaded by Arnotts, was expected this week but An Bord Pleanála said the deadline had been put back due to the volume of work, with a new date not yet fixed.

The department store aims to transform the area in a proposal backed by Dublin City Council but appealed by a number of objectors.

If successful, the €750 million plan would create a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, labelled the Northern Quarter, on a five and a half acre site with new shops, restaurants, apartments and an hotel.

“The decision isn’t imminent,” a spokesman for An Bord Pleanála said.

“I don’t see that decision being made this week and I don’t see it being made next week under any circumstances.

“I don’t see anything happening for the next five to seven working days.

“It’s the volume of work beating the board at the minute,” he said.

The three-year redevelopment plan comprises 47 new shops, 17 cafes, restaurants and bars, around 180 apartments, a four-star hotel and a new central square.

The Northern Quarter, an area in the north side bounded by Henry Street, O’Connell Street, Abbey Street and Liffey Street, will be completely regenerated in the plans.

Some of the buildings involved in the transformation of the eight acre block include Arnotts, the former Independent Newspapers site on Abbey Street and Penneys.

Parts of the inspirational project will be eight storeys high and will feature a roof garden and restaurant overlooking the city.

The plans see the creation of a new street by extending Princes Street, between the GPO and Penneys, and linking Abbey Street, Henry Street and O’Connell Street with a meeting square. There would also be 683 car-parking spaces.

But the scheme has come up against stiff resistance with eight appeals lodged to An Bord Pleanála by various parties, including An Post, An Taisce and the Railway Procurement Agency, after the council granted permission last July.

Fears about job security have been expressed by staff at Arnotts after it emerged hundreds of positions could be lost during the project.