Retail

Clerys redeveloper requests planning change for restaurant

OCES Property has raised concerns that two smaller spaces, for retail and food-and-beverage, would be better used as one larger space for ‘quality food’ offerings from market-leading brands

OCES Property has asked Dublin City Council for permission to create a large single space for a ground-floor café at the Clerys department store development. Picture: Fergal Phillips

The firm redeveloping Clerys has raised concerns that a nearby Starbucks will scare off potential cafés, and a separate prime retail unit will attract lower-quality tenants, unless the two spaces can be merged together for a large restaurant.

OCES Property, which is revamping the department-store building on O’Connell Street, has asked Dublin City Council for permission to create a larger space on the ground floor that faces onto Earl Street North.

Based on the planning ...