After more than 15 years of uncertainty, white smoke has emerged for the future of Ferrybank Shopping Centre as conditional planning permission has been secured to allow Dunnes Stores to finally open a retail outlet at the site.

The centre, completed in 2008 but left largely dormant ever since, has been a source of frustration for both local residents and political representatives.

For years, calls have been renewed for its owners, Dunnes Stores, trading through Better Value Unlimited – to bring the long-stalled development to life.

The go-ahead has now been granted subject to four conditions, for a redevelopment plan that will transform the unused space into a modern retail anchor.

The approved works include merging the centre’s vacant car showroom with its existing ground floor anchor space to create a single-level unit.

The new anchor will boast 3,000 square metres of convenience retailing, including an off-licence, alongside 2,042 square metres dedicated to comparison goods such as clothing and household items.

Meanwhile, the unit’s first floor is set to be converted into a leisure facility measuring 3,140 square metres, with a gym operator reportedly being sought to occupy the space.

The latest developments follow the conclusion of a prolonged ownership dispute involving Dunnes Stores and NAMA.

In March 2023, Dunnes was formally confirmed as owner of the complex, operating under the corporate entity Better Value Unlimited.

Although Ferrybank Shopping Centre is home to Kilkenny Library and Kilkenny County Council’s Municipal offices, no commercial retailer has ever opened its doors there.

The latest approval represents the most significant step forward for the centre since its construction.

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