Re: Re: Dublin Fruit Market

From the post last Sunday:

Sunday Business Post 16 September
Bidder to be chosen to develop fish market site
16 September 2007 By Neil Callanan
The redevelopment of a former wholesale fish-market site in Dublin 7 has moved a step closer.

Dublin City Council is expected to choose a preferred bidder to develop the fish market site by the end of the month.

The site is part of a planned €400 million rejuvenation of Dublin’s Markets area, which is between Henry Street and Smithfield in the north-west inner city. The Victorian fish market on the site has already been demolished.

The site is expected to be redeveloped as a commercial and residential complex, up to six storeys in height. Underground car parking will also be developed.

The council decided to demolish the fish market because it was underutilised and there was an opportunity to provide retail, restaurant, residential and cultural use on the site.

It will also provide an opportunity to build new office accommodation for the legal sector based around the Four Courts.

The new buildings will overlook the fruit and vegetable market, which is one of the most recognisable buildings in Dublin.

Six groups were originally invited to take part in the competitive process for the fish market site after a public notice last December seeking expressions of interest in the redevelopment.

Proceeds from the sale of the site will go towards the cost of a new civic square surrounding the fruit and vegetable market, a community facility and an underground car park.

The council wants to develop the square because it claims the distance between O’Connell Street and Smithfield, at 1.25 kilometres, is too far to create a natural connection between the two.