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New planning application for local centre

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

A NEW plan has been put forward for the multi-million euro redevelopment of a shopping centre on the Northside. Keith Simpson and Associates (KSA), along with Bayside Centre Management Limited, have made an application to Fingal County Council for the development at Bayside Square. The applicants are hoping to have the project completed by 2013. Following previous planning applications that ran into major opposition locally, the developers say they have taken all concerns raised into account, as well as entering into consultation with the relevant local bodies. John Downey of KSA told Northside People that local needs were being seriously taken into account in the new plans. “It is proposed to construct a new public plaza with the centrepiece being a select piece of sculpture,” said Mr Downey. “It is hoped that it will be designed by an artist via competition and selected by the residents of Bayside themselves. “It is important to note that the existing carpark will be left for mass-goers (using the church which is situated in the square) and shoppers. Mr Downey said they were keen to commence the project in the latter half of 2011 with an estimated 18-24-month construction period. “The project will be finished by 2013 at the earliest, at which time we will have been in recession for close on six years or so and we should be clearly coming out of it,” he added. “This is why the applications are being lodged now.” Local residents attended a public meeting last Monday (October 12) to discuss the plans and decide how they will respond to the new application. Shay Duffy, chairman of the Save Our Square Committee, told Northside People that the community is in favour of developing the Square but must ensure the plans are suitable for the area. His committee has been holding consultative talks with the developers over the last year, raising “concerns that were not addressed” during two previous failed planning applications. These concerns included the height and scale of the development; traffic implications; retention of the public carpark; negative impact on the church; overlooking of homes; and the negative impact on the community centre. Mr Duffy said some progress has been made in addressing these concerns but that issues remain to be resolved.  “Consultations with the developers have been very professional and positive,” he stated. “We are happy we have influenced the development and progress has been made but there are still issues that remain to be discussed.” A leaflet recently distributed in the community by the developers called on locals to support the new application. The leaflet explained that failure to achieve a satisfactory planning application could lead to the disuse and dilapidation of the existing centre in the future. Howth ward councillor Cian O'Callaghan (Lab) said the fresh planning application to redevelop Bayside Shopping Centre was a welcome move. “The shopping centre has been neglected for several years and rejuvenation is greatly needed,” Cllr O’Callaghan stated. “As any redevelopment will impact heavily on the local community, it is essential that the concerns of all residents are not just listened to but also acted on. “It is important at this stage that the local community looks at the proposals and decides on how best to respond." Meanwhile, an email address -  baysidequare@gmai l.com - has been set up by the developers to inform people if they wish to register their interest or support.