A high profile four-acre site which includes the premises of the former Ashtown Tin Box Company at Navan Road is to be sold by tender on July 8th. Finnegan Menton is quoting a guideline price of £4.5 million for the site, which is likely to be redeveloped, either for retail warehousing, offices or a residential scheme. The complex was acquired late last year by Hickey Fabrics as a new headquarters. However, the company has since decided to remain in its existing premises at Parkgate Street. Hickeys recently opened a retail warehouse at nearby Blanchardstown Town Centre, where it is trading successfully. It also recently opened a new store in Waterford and is awaiting the completion of a further outlet in Tralee as part of its expansion.

The Navan road site has a considerable level of visibility because of its proximity to the Ashtown roundabout on the Navan Road. While the site currently has permission for industrial use in line with its most recent use by Puratos Crest Foods, Fingal County Council's current review of its development plan may involve a change of zoning.

The existing buildings cover an area of 80,000 sq ft, making them suitable for an owner-occupier who wants extensive industrial space. They could also be used to provide short-term rental income for a developer until planning permission is in place. There is about three-quarters of an acre of undeveloped land on the western end of the site.