Upmarket restaurant plans for vacant offices building

Date Published: 05-Nov-2012

BY ENDA CUNNINGHAM

Plans to transform an office building at The Crescent – which has been vacant since its construction almost a decade ago – into an upmarket restaurant have been lodged with city officials.

Damian and Mark Hanley have sought permission for a change of use of Hanley House from office space to restaurant use, which includes a bar.

They told planners that they never managed to find a tenant for the building, and that a restaurant would be a positive addition to the area.

The office space forms part of a mixed development of “high architectural quality” offices and 12 duplex apartments which were completed nine years ago.

“Regrettably, the ground floor of this mixed development has remained unoccupied for the last nine years, taking from the building engagement with the street and the public realm.

“The application is for a change of use from offices to restaurant use, which is a local need to complement the many commercial, offices and medical users in the immediate vicinity.

“The use of the vacant space as a high-class quality restaurant will contribute to this sustainable residential neighbourhood and bring on board a very desirable public use consistent with the best planning practises both in Galway and accepted worldwide.

“At street level, a local restaurant use will improve security, passive surveillance and improve amenity of the neighbourhood. “

A decision is expected from planners next month.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel