An Post leads Arnotts objectors

AN POST is leading a group of objectors appealing a €750 million redevelopment plan by Arnotts city centre department store.

Last month, Dublin City Council approved an ambitious plan to create a new shopping, entertainment and residential zone, called Northern Quarter, on a 5.5-acre site.

An Taisce, which is among the objectors, has said the size of the project, predominantly eight-storey, was “excessive”.

Permission for the scheme was granted by the council subject to 30 conditions. Arnotts is appealing a number of the conditions to An Bord Pleanála, whose decision is due on December 3.

Arnotts envisages locating 47 shops, 14 cafes, restaurants and bars in the new quarter, in addition to 175 apartments and a 149-bedroom, four-star hotel behind the former Independent Newspapers building on Middle Abbey Street.

The focal point of the scheme will be a new plaza between Henry Street and Middle Abbey Street, with the store having a new entrance onto this square.

The scheme will range in height from three to 12 storeys, with a 15-storey tower element at the corner of Abbey and Liffey streets. More than 600 car parking spaces will be provided.