Major investment for prime N5 site in Mayo county town

THE future commercial growth of Castlebar is set to receive a multi-million euro boost.

The final piece in the N5 Business Park jigsaw is to be put in place, bringing significant benefits for the county town's economy.

Developers Primbrook Investments Ltd. have lodged a planning application for the completion of the existing N5 Business Park at Moneen, Castlebar, involving some 17,084 sq. m. of retail warehousing and commercial gross floor space.

The site is currently vacant having been acquired by the applicant in recent times following the economic downturn some years ago, which prevented the implementation of a previously permitted substantial scheme on the lands.

The new scheme, details of which have been lodged with Mayo County Council for planning approval, relates to an updated proposal, matched to the potential of the site and town as a whole, and will deliver considerable economic and other benefits when completed, the developers say.

The retail warehousing element is intended to provide a modern facility for major multiples to serve the town and its considerable catchment area, it was submitted to planners.

The precise nature of the non-retail ‘commercial’ uses are intended to be as adaptable as possible, given the need to be able to respond to market requirements.

Block A comprises seven retail warehouse units, with c. 8,166 sq.m. gross floor space, including an anchor unit with ancillary garden centre area.

Block B comprises five commercial units (in two-storey configuration), comprising 8,918 sq.m.

The plans include vehicular and pedestrian/cycle access via a new junction to the R309 (former N5) Dublin Road, and via connection/integration with the existing N5 Business Park, along with pedestrian/cycle access from the Moneen Road.

A planning statement on behalf of the developers said: 'The subject site is at a landmark location at the gateway to Castlebar, and as such has the opportunity to deliver a substantial gain to the town in terms of provide a major addition to the built form, and to provide important additions to the resource of retail warehousing and commercial floorspace of the town.'

Given the scale of the proposed development, it would be envisaged that it would be completed on a phased basis, albeit implemented in its totality overall.

Full details are available on Mayo County Council's online planning portal.