A new 9,500 sq ft. music venue is earmarked for the city centre.
The Catherine Street Partnership, purchasers of a number of properties in Catherine Street two years ago, have been in discussion with city council planning officials and expect to lodge a planning application shortly.
The designated site for the venture includes the former Desmond Arms and Limerick Leader printing works.
A spokesman for the developers told the Limerick Post that, if permission was forthcoming, the emphasis would be on traditional Irish bands, jazz sessions and internationally known stage performers.
“The concept is along that of the old Point Theatre in Dublin. We envisage capacity of around 650, and four nights entertainment each week.
“Limerick city centre is in need of this type of facility and with a huge catchment area, we believe it is an attractive and viable proposition.
“Three entrances are planned, from Mallow, Catherine and Glentworth Streets. We are talking in terms of a very big site here, and fitted out to the highest standards”.
Initially, the developers had set their sights on 56,000 sq ft of office space for the entire block, which stretches to Mallow Street, “but then came the downturn in the economy and we had to revise our plans”.
In addition to the music venue, The Catherine Street partnership are to continue with plans for a seven screen cinema, a language centre and retail units.
“We are determined to develop the entire block and are currently involved in talks with the planning authority with a view to providing Limerick city centre with a fully functional entertainment complex and other facilities”.
