Owner seeks more time to redevelop Taaffes site

A city developer has sought an extra five years to redevelop the derelict Taaffes premises on William Street.

Planning permission for the redevelopment of the building to become entirely retail is set to expire next November.

Developer Gerry Barrett – who bought the premises in 2006 for around €20 million – told planners he was unable to secure finance for the project because of the collapse of the economy.

Spanish retail giant Zara had been looking at the premises as a possible location in Galway, but ruled it out in 2009, because of a three-year delay in securing planning permission and the economic downturn.

“The application was made in late 2008, with the planning process through An Bord Pleanála taking almost a year to November 2009, by which time, the entire economy and banking systems had unravelled.

“This included the availability of finance to allow the development to proceed.

“The climate of the economy is now looking more positive and it is hoped that the project may proceed in the medium term,” the application reads.

Galway City Council granted permission for the redevelopment project in 2009, but this was subsequently appealed by Derrick Hambleton of environmental watchdog group An Taisce, who expressed concerns about the shopfront.

When the Board finally approved permission – after refusing to accept its own inspector’s recommendation – the process had gone on too long for Zara, which informed Mr Barrett they were no longer interested in the premises.

Mr Hambleton was unapologetic about the role An Taisce played in the delays.

“An Taisce has been concerned for a number of years about the rapid change in character which has overcome Shop Street, Williamsgate Street and the other streets which make up Galway’s historic city core area.

“It is therefore unapologetic for the delays incurred in bringing forward any development at this important location. We would all look pretty stupid if we allowed any old development go-ahead, even if it is true that a major European chain of clothes boutiques is waiting to go in,” said Mr Hambleton.

A decision is expected from planners next month on whether to allow five more years for the project to be completed.