 |
|
Revamp project for Ballymun to create 2,000 jobs
A LEADING development company claimed yesterday that it would create 2,000 construction jobs next year in ambitious regeneration plans for a once-deprived Dublin suburb. The €800 million project in Ballymun the largest of its kind planners have accepted includes shops, apartments and offices centred over the planned Metro line. The scheme effectively removes the Ballymun name from the shopping complex with developers opting instead for Spring Cross. The area, once famed for its tower blocks, has been transformed in recent years with new homes, Ireland's first Ikea store and plans for Metro North. Niall Kavanagh, head of the Spring Cross project at Treasury Holdings, said it would become the capital of north Dublin. "Together with the opening of Ikea, we see the future of Ballymun as a destination for shoppers, not only from the Dublin region, but from all over Ireland which will also benefit the local community," he said. "It will create 2,000 construction jobs and, on completion, support 8,500 direct and indirect jobs. We are confident that we can commence construction in 2010." The entire development will cover 255,000sgm with more than a fifth dedicated to shops, while there will also be 360 apartments, offices and substantial leisure amenities including cinemas, bowling alleys, a public library and restaurants. Developing giant Treasury Holdings, which is behind the Battersea Power Station site in London, applied for permission on behalf of Real Estate Opportunities (REO). Ray Horney, REO chairman, said the Ballymun regeneration was the company's flagship project. "This important achievement demonstrates the quality of both REO's development portfolio and the ability of its management to create value," he said. "This project is a flagship in the company's Irish portfolio and we are confident we can commence construction in 2010." REO said it was in advanced stages of negotiations with key anchor tenants. |
|
|
