Food hall proposal for Cork's Capitol site abandoned

The developers behind the €50m regeneration of the landmark Capitol cinema site in Cork City have abandoned plans for a food hall in favour of more retail and office space.

John Cleary Developments (JCD) said following extensive research, and a national and international marketing campaign for the proposed food hall, it emerged that without state-sponsored support, it would not be commercially viable. JCD said planning restrictions around hot food and take-out offerings were also prohibitive.

The firm said concerns were raised by market trader representatives about the potential impact the food hall may have on the historic market.