Hi °C | Lo °C A €1.2bn redevelopment of Dublin's Carlton cinema has been backed by the company behind major plans for a neighbouring site.
Arnotts Properties has written to Dublin City Council expressing its support for Chartered Lands' Dublin Central proposal for the former cinema and surrounding land.
Arnotts themselves are waiting for An Bord Pleanala to make a decision on their application to build a new €750m Northern Quarter for the north inner city.
The letter, drafted by town planners McGill Planning, states: "Our client wishes to confirm that it supports the proposed development by Chartered Lands Ltd and expects that the proposed scheme, in conjunction with our clients Northern Quarter development, will significantly enhance the vitality and viability of the north city central area."
Ambitious
The submission was one of 18 lodged with the council relating to the plans by Chartered Lands.
The developers want to locate an ambitious shopping and restaurant quarter along with a spectacular 50-metre high 'park in the sky'.
The application was submitted last month after years of legal wrangling over ownership of the 5.5-acre site, which is bounded by Parnell Street, O'Connell Street, Henry Street and Moore Street.
In its submission, heritage body An Taisce opposed the Carlton proposals.
The group's Kevin Duff wrote in his letter of objection that "the scheme as proposed is seriously ill-conceived in its scale and impact on the design, quality and historic fabric of the surrounding area".
City councillor Emer Costello and Dublin Central TD Joe Costello registered their support for the concerns of residents in relation to the development.
"There is serious concern regarding the height, density and design of this development in the environment of the most important street of our capital city," the public representatives stated in their letter.
The Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) expressed its support for the proposals.
"The DTO is supportive of the type of development proposed as it supports the consolidation of retail in the city centre and presents an opportunity to deliver an enhanced public domain," it stated.
Historical body the National Graves' Association opposed the development.
"The development heavily infringes on all six buildings in Moore Street and Moore Lane which have recently been declared a national monument," stated the association's Matt Doyle.
The council is due to make a decision on the application within two weeks.
