Massive city facelift in store as Arnotts plan green-lighted
The north inner is set for a massive redevelopment after An Bord Pleanala gave the green light to a planned €700m Northern Quarter shopping area. The Arnotts plan will keep its signature skywalk, but officials told Arnotts representatives that the proposals would only be allowed if a planned 16-storey tower in the original design was omitted. The plans were allowed through on Friday evening and made public today after an earlier appeal against the move. An Bord Pleanala has tagged along 26 separate conditions, including the preservation of several protected buildings in the area. Other conditions include 24- hour public access to all the proposed new public streets and spaces such as Abbey Square; appropriate childcare facilities; and a limestone arch at the main entrance to the Arnotts building. In February, a decision was delayed by An Bord Pleanala after what the planning body said was the huge volume of information contained in the plans. The proposal was backed by Dublin City Council but appealed by a number of objectors.