PLANS for a multi-million euro extension to the Crescent Shopping Centre, with Marks & Spencer as the flagship store, have been refused, on appeal, by An Bord Pleanala.
Two years ago, the Limerick Post first broke the story that the owners of the Crescent Shopping Centre had been locked in talks with M&S and that a major extension was envisaged. There followed a series of objections to the proposal, from residents in the area and the city business community.
An Bord Pleanala held the view that such a development would be to the detriment of the vitality and viability of the city centre.
Reason for the refusal were:
1. Having regard to the primacy of Limerick City Centre as the Tier 1 retail centre within the Metropolitan Area, as set out in the Retail Strategy for the Mid-West Region, 2002-2011 and in the Limerick County Development Plan, 2005-2011, and to the scale of the retail development now proposed at this suburban location, it is considered that the proposed development would create a regional shopping destination within three kilometres of Limerick City Centre, to the detriment of the vitality and viability of the City Centre
2. Having regard to the existing heavy traffic volumes in the area, to the forthcoming completion and opening of the Limerick Southern Ring Road and to the uncertainty regarding resultant future traffic patterns, the Board is not satisfied, on the basis of the submissions made in connection with the application and appeal, that the proposed development would not result in increased, serious traffic congestion on the local road network.
The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.
The likelihood now is that Marks & Spencer will opt for the proposed Opera Centre for their first Limerick location.
With plans for the Crescent now shelved, there will be a strong push to further develop the city centre as a main trading area, with a strong emphasis on attracting more high profile stores.
Mayor Kevin Kiely welcomed the decision and that it was now the city’s turn to attract investors. “It will strengthen the Opera Centre’s position to attract the big names in retail”.
Cllr Michael Hourigan described it as a landmark decision for the city, which is set to attract anchor stores.
