ShoppingCentres: Plans for a major enlargement of The Square in Tallaght moved a stage further this week with the decision by Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council to sell more than 11 acres to one of the centre's owners, Alburn, for €24 million.
As part of the deal, the council will have the use of 630 car-parking spaces during the day.
Alburn, controlled by solicitor Noel Smith, will be the lead developer of the €350 million redevelopment scheme which is due to get under way later this year. Two other groups will each have a one-third stake in the scheme: The Square Management, representing most of the owners, and businessmen Larry O'Mahony and Tommy McFeely.
Alburn is now to seek planning permission for a revised scheme to accommodate three additional anchors, including Penneys which will have 9,290sq m (100,000sq ft). The two other large outlets will each extend to 464sq m (50,000sq ft).
The overall scheme will have a large mix of facilities, including shopping, leisure, civic amenities, a 47-bedroom hotel, a 70-unit aparthotel, office space and 379 apartments. Alburn has also committed to provide a central plaza for civic use.
