Planning permission has been granted for the Michael Street Shopping Centre in Waterford City.
An Appeal, which was lodged against the 10,000 square metre development in September of last year was rejected by An Bord Pleanala, who announced their decision earlier this afternoon.
No changes have been made to the original plans, with the exception of an additional pedestrian entrance to the Centre on New Street.
According to Newgate Properties who submitted their planning application in March of 2016, the development will generate up to 250 jobs during construction and is expected to support up to 480 retail and support jobs when complete.
It's envisaged that the new centre will accommodate a range of retailers, primarily fashion and other specialist outlets.
Former Mayor of Waterford Cllr. John Cummins said, “this is a landmark day for the future of our city centre.
The uncertainty of the last six months has been very unhelpful to the project as a whole with investor interest having dissipated following quite positive sentiment immediately after the granting of permission by Waterford City and County Council.
I sincerely hope that the decision by An Bord Pleanala today will result in the site being developed as quickly as possible though it has to be said, the delay has been damaging”.
