Expansion plan lodged for Mallow Co-Op site

BALLYSEEDY SET TO BECOME ANCHOR TENANT FOR NEW CAFÉ

A PLANNING application has been lodged with Cork County Council which, if given the green light, will see the Co- Op store in Mallow’s West End undergo a comprehensive makeover.

The application submitted in the name of Watmore Ltd, a property development subsidiary of Dairygold, entails a major expansion of the facilities on the site on the junction of Park Road and the West End.

It makes provision for the demolition of a section of the existing Co- Op building, garden centre and yard in order to expand the store to include a new semi-covered garden centre, agristore and delivery yard.

The proposals also make provision for the refurbishment of the historic, protected Annabella Villas opposite Dairygold’s West End production plant, to incorporate a lower-and ground floor cafe/restaurant and office space on the uppers floors.

It is believed that Tralee-based Ballyseedy Home and Garden, which last year opened franchise cafés at Dairygold Co- Op stores in Raheen, Midleton and Carrigaline, will be the anchor tenant and the new eatery.

The protected coach houses on the site will also undergo significant repair works, to create seven new units suitable for retail (including the sale of alcohol) or restaurant/café use.

Included within the proposal is provision for the demolition of part of the boundary wall fronting the West End; improved car and bicycle parking and infrastructural works, including modifications to the existing Park Road access point; and improved/new pedestrian connections on Park Road and the West End.

Council planners have set a date of June 11 for the receipt of submissions in relation to the application, with a decision due on or before July 20.