Lidl, the discount store chain, is planning a major new 292,000 sq ft development including a supermarket, €30m worth of apartments and offices in six blocks around a central public park in Tallaght.

In contrast to the uncertainty surrounding so many Irish developers, Lidl appears to have the cash-flow resources to continue its Irish expansion plans.

The German company has established a new company, Tallaght Future, to develop the project at the former metal powder site on Main Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Lidl's planning application comes at a time when the owners of The Square shopping centre, including developer solicitor Noel Smyth, are pressing South Dublin Co Council to disentangle an adjoining property licence in order to allow a major expansion of The Square including a new Penneys store, cinema and other shops. Bernard McNamara also recently submitted plans for a major new leisure and shopping complex in the nearby former woodies site.

However, Lidl will take its time about the project as its application is for a 10-year development permit -- double the usual five-year permit. It already operates a store in the nearby Arena complex. If fully approved, the new development would accommodate three shops with a 57,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space.

Supermarket

These would include a 50,000 sq ft supermarket and a cafe in one block and another two small retail units with a combined 6,232 sq ft in another block.

A further 53,700 sq ft of offices will be spread among two of the blocks. The 111 flats, 15 live/work homes and a creche will be accommodated in two other blocks.

Asking prices for Tallaght apartments vary widely depending on the tax incentives and location. Currently two-bedroom units in the Tallaght Cross complex are asking around €225,000 while those at the 13-storey Tower in Belgard Square are asking €445,000.

Lidl's blocks will range in height from one to nine storeys and the sixth block will accommodate a single-storey stand-alone restaurant.

Source:  www.independent.ie