Plans for redevelopment of Penneys Cork City store delayed
When planning permission was granted last month the move was hailed as a significant vote of confidence in the city. Picture: Dan Linehan
Plans for the redevelopment of Penneys' flagship store in the heart of Cork City have been delayed following an appeal.
While planning permission was granted last month the decision is now being appealed by a third party.
The plans included an increase in the store size by 17,000 sq ft to 54,000 sq ft, with the project encompassing a site that stretches from Robert St to Cook St, and from St Patrick's Street to Oliver Plunkett St.
The expanded outlet will take in a substantial portion of the city’s main street, absorbing almost the entire block stretching back to Oliver Plunkett St.
When announced last year, the proposal was welcomed and seen as a positive boost for the city’s prime shopping street which has been left reeling by the departure of a number of high-profile stores including Debenhams, Oasis, Warehouse, and Laura Ashley.
Penneys has partnered with the O’Flynn Construction group for the redevelopment project. If the project is approved, for planning construction work will be carried out in a way that will allow the store to remain open.
The grant of planning last month followed a lengthy consideration of the application lodged last August, which included a request for further information amid planners' concerns about the scheme's potential impact on the built heritage of the area.
In response, Penneys said the redevelopment project would help reduce the number of vacant premises in the city.
