An exceptionally large development site in Kilkenny city, due to be zoned for a neighbourhood centre, is to be offered for sale by private treaty in the coming weeks.
DTZ Sherry FitzGerald and Sherry FitzGerald McCreevy are likely to be guiding in the region of €5 million for the former cattle mart site which extends to 5.66 hectares (14 acres) and has frontage on to three roads – New Road (R866), Barrack Street and the Castlecomer Road (N77).
Under the current city development plan which runs until next year, the land was zoned for "general development". However, an attempt by Citymart Properties in 2009 to get permission for a mixed use scheme ended in failure when it was blocked by Kilkenny Borough Council and later An Bord Pleanála.
The board was concerned the development would damage the vitality and viability of the city centre retail core. The scheme had included two anchor stores, 34 retail/ commercial units, a seven-screen cinema, creche, offices, 24 residential units and a 1,214 space car park.
In the meantime, the McDonagh Junction shopping centre was developed and after a difficult start is now trading well with a full complement of traders. Shoppers also have the choice of the Market Cross shopping centre off the main street.
The Kilkenny Draft City & Environs Development Plan 2014-2020, yet to be adopted, proposes that the old mart site should be zoned for a neighbourhood centre “to provide for local shopping, non-retail services, community and social needs”. The site is within easy walking distance of the local railway station and bus depot.
Kilkenny has become a major tourist destination in recent years, helped by vigorous marketing by the city’s hotels and restaurants. It attracts most of its domestic visitors from Dublin and Cork because of its convenient location.
