Parma Developments Limited

New hotel to go ahead despite recession

The developers of a major retail and hotel scheme approved for the site of a former meat processing plant in Clonmel have stated that the development will go ahead, despite the recession.
Parma Developments Ltd has received planning permission from Clonmel Borough Council for the River Quarter development at their site on Abbey Road/Convent Road at the site of the former Fair Oak Foods plant.

A large proportion of the project will accommodate the retail element, which will comprise 10 shop units, including space for two anchor tenants.

The 86-bedroom hotel, conference facilities, bar and restaurant will occupy most of the remaining area in a development that's understood to be worth between €85 and €90 million.

River Quarter also includes the provision of 549 car parking spaces and 142 bicycle spaces, as well as a 160-metre boardwalk along the River Suir, which borders the development site to the south. The retail element of the scheme will cover two floors over basement, while the hotel and gym component will be on six storeys.Peter Levins, associate director with letting agents Bannon Commercial, said this week that there is clear demand for new development to boost Clonmel's retail and tourism infrastructure.

"We have held discussions with retailers who have active requirements for new stores in Clonmel. These include national retail brands seeking new space in Clonmel and local retailers who wish to relocate from their existing premises to larger, more modern properties.

This will add to the choice available to local shoppers and reduce the level of expenditure leaking to surrounding towns and counties. It will also increase competition to the benefit of consumers".

He said that while retailers had become more cautious in the current economic climate, it was recognised that Clonmel was under-serviced in certain categories of shopping for a town of its scale and catchment area."It is in this context that those considering locating in this new development have confirmed their interest in the scheme.

It is also a reality that the project will take time to build, so that there is ample time for economic recovery to be well underway before retailers begin to trade here",

Mr. Levins added.The meat processing plant in Upper Irishtown was one of the town's biggest employers for many years.

As it changed ownership through the years it was known as Chappey's, Clonmel Foods, Master Meats, Clonmel Chilling and Fair Oak Foods.Production at the plant ceased in the spring of 2004 and the site has been unoccupied since December 2006.