Property players clash over Central Park food market

TWO major property players have become embroiled in a row over a food market in a Leopardstown business park, with the matter now being elevated to An Bord Pleanala.

The food market at Central Park has already drawn the ire of local businesses over its extension from one to three days a week.

In recent days, Kennedy Wilson, which is the landlord for a number of blocks at Central Park, claimed that the three-day market, which runs from March to October, “will impact negatively on the viability and marketability of these units”.

It claimed that food businesses at the development saw a fall-off in trade of as much as 50pc during days on which the food market was in operation last summer. It also claims that other food units have remained vacant.

Unsurprisingly, a number of local cafes and sandwich shops have also lodged an appeal against the plan, including Freshii and Munchies. Among the reasons are the impact the market will have on the viability of other businesses.

However, Green Reit-controlled entity Central Park GP, which sought permission for the market, is also appealing the decision to grant permission for the food market. But it’s beef is with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s plans to curtail music at the food market. “Entertainment in the form of music and street performance formed an integral part of the success of the food market” said a submission. “The prohibition of music will impact on the quality and attractiveness of the market to consumers.”