Liffey Valley plan could provide employment boost

A NEW

?¬25 million planning application has been submitted to South Dublin County Council for an extension to the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

The owners of the centre, Aviva Investors and Grosvenor, say the scheme will create some 670 jobs in the area, which will bring the total number of those working there up to approximately 2,500 in total.

The project is expected to create 280 jobs during the construction phase and a further 390 permanent, part time and full time jobs upon completion.Work on the new extension is expected to take 27 months in total.

The development proposal would add over 10,000 sq mt of new floor space and would bring more fashion outlets and restaurants to the centre.

Proposals include a three level retail unit of 6,577 sq mt, incorporating the internal reconfiguration of the existing Vue Cinema.

Six restaurants totalling 3,423 sq mt spanning three floors with external seating and communal public space of over 3,000 sq mt will also be built.

The planned civic space will include a number of key design features and a layout to accommodate regular managed events, which is expected to become a meeting place and focal point for the centre.

Shelagh Larard, Associate Director with Aviva Investors, said it had worked closely with all stakeholders in planning the next phase of the shopping centre.

“It was important that the proposal we developed would add local regeneration activity and I am confident that this will be a huge boost to the local area,

? she said.

“The proposed development will increase footfall and choice within the shopping centre thereby adding to the vitality and viability of Liffey Valley.

“With Liffey Valley moving into its fifth year of trading, the centre has established itself as a major shopping destination and it is important that we continue to invest in and strengthen its offering in order to best serve our customers and our community.

“The submission will deliver a proposal of architectural quality to further enhance the appearance and profile of Liffey Valley.

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Peter Byrne, CEO of the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the prospect of additional employment being created in the area.

“Jobs have got to be our first priority at the moment,

? he said.

“We would warmly welcome anyone who is bringing additional enterprise into the county, in particular where it is near centres of population.

“This application would strongly support the existing retail and office offering within the county. What I believe it will do is strengthen that end of our county, which has strong competition from Blanchardstown.

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