A planning notice has been erected at the Ferrybank Shopping Centre, bringing new hope that the centre which has lain idle for many years may see development in the near future.

The notice erected at the site on behalf of Dunnes Stores reads: “Better Unlimited Company intend to apply for permission for development at this site situated at Ferrybank Shopping Centre, Ross Road, Ferrybank, Kilkenny.”

The development would consist of a change of use of the centre’s car showroom and a previously permitted anchor unit.

The notice was signed by Patrick O’Neill on behalf of Better Value Unlimited, 46-50 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2.

Following a long running dispute between Dunnes Stores and NAMA, the owners of Ferrybank Shopping Centre – Dunnes Stores were confirmed as owners of the centre in March 2023.

Following months of intense speculation, it was confirmed at a Piltown Municipal District Council meeting that the centre is owned by Better Value Unlimited.

The company which was previously known as Dunnes Stores Limited, Dunnes Stores, Tacado, and Better Value, according to publicly held company records, is currently undertaking works within the centre.

The shopping centre, which accommodates Kilkenny Library, and Kilkenny County Council Municipal offices, has never had a commercial tenant since it was built in 2008.

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