Taaffes development finally given go-ahead

Date Published: 01-Dec-2009

A CITY developer has finally secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the derelict Taaffes premises on William Street, after being held up for more than three-and-a-half years by the planning process.

However, the process has gone on far too long for Spanish retail giant Zara, which abandoned its plans to move into the premises earlier this year because of the delays and the economic downturn.

An Bord Pleanála has given developer Gerry Barrett the final go-ahead after refusing to accept its own inspector’s recommendation.

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

“Having regard to the extent of previous alterations to the existing building and to the present condition of the building and to the extent of elements to be retained, it is considered that the proposed development would not unduly adversely affect the character of the building or the Architectural Conservation Area,” the Board ruled.

It added that the proposals would be acceptable because it would bring the building back to a viable use in an important city centre location, and that the proposed shop front would be acceptable.

Last May, our sister publication the Galway City Tribune revealed that fashion giant Zara pulled out of plans to lease the Taaffes building because of the delays in the planning process. Prior to that, in a letter to city planners, Mr Hambleton of An Taisce was unapologetic about the role it 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.

The latest decision from the Planning Appeals Board was on the fourth planning application for the premises in just over three-and-a-half years.

A spokesperson for Gerry Barrett’s Edward Holdings had no comment to make on the latest decision, but previously said that while the Zara decision was disappointing, he was confident that Taaffes would still attract a “significant international tenant”.