Plans have been unveiled for a new retail centre for Rush that could bring over 100 much-needed jobs to the town.
Rushbury Properties Ltd have submitted an application to Fingal County Council for planning permission to develop the centre along Rush Main Street.
If completed, the proposed development would include a new supermarket and a commercial centre including shops, cafes, restaurants and gymnasium.
A key feature of the proposed development is the existing thatched cottage along Main Street.
It is to be retained as a centre piece to the development and will form the western boundary of a new open
‘plaza’ space to the north of the retail units which open out onto Main Street.
In addition, the existing post office is to be redeveloped and a new upgraded post office will form the eastern boundary of the proposed new
‘plaza’.
The application includes permission for a surface car park to accommodate 121 spaces, including spaces for mother and baby and disabled users.
While detailed proposals have yet to be agreed and are subject to planning approval, it is envisaged that this car park is to be operated as an open car park during normal trading hours, thus providing much needed spaces to the existing traders located on Main Street.
There will also be four houses to the rear of the development with separate access from Convent Lane.
According to a statement submitted to this newspaper by local auctioneer Shea Kelly, the properties forming the site for this development have been lying derelict for many years and the empty and disused buildings have become an eyesore in the town centre.
“The disjointed nature of the commercial/retail buildings along this extended Main Street has resulted in fragmented shopping activity,
? the statement reads.
“Before the arrival of Tesco last year, the lack of trolley shopping and car parking facilities in the town has meant that the residents of Rush had to drive to Swords and Balbriggan to do their weekly shopping.
“This leakage on a weekly basis has had a detrimental effect on the Main Street with many businesses struggling to survive the economic downturn.
?
Kelly & Co Estate Agents has reported a strong level of interest from a number of retailers already.
Shea Kelly said construction would proceed shortly after the granting of planning approval from Fingal County Council.
“It is estimated the development will bring between 90 and 120 part time and full-time new jobs into the town,
? he stated.
Mr Kelly added that the developer and their architects, Arcumen Ltd, have been extremely careful in presenting a design that takes account of the existing streetscape, the fall in level from the Main Street to the sea and the provision of openings in the new streetscape to give views of the sea from the street.
“The vernacular architecture has also been respected in the design with most of the existing buildings onto the street being rebuilt or refurbished,
? he continued.
“If permission to proceed is granted, this project will certainly provide a welcome addition to the services, amenity and social facilities in Rush town centre.
?
The proposal has already caused considerable local debate. While some Rush residents have expressed support for the removal of the derelict buildings, others have voiced concerns about the possible impact that additional shops could have on existing businesses in the town.