Planning permission is being sought to convert a closed retail unit in Galway City Centre to a new café.
The application is for the renovation and change of use of the former Book Exchange store at 23 Abbeygate Street Lower in the city centre.
The building, which is located close to Eyre Square and Shop Street, has not been in commercial use since October 2022 according to the planning application.
The proposed works will consist of the provision of a new staircase and first floor structure to the building, which is a Protected Structure.
Other works involved with the project will include replacing the windows and roof of the building. Retention permission is also being sought for work done to the internal structure.
“The proposed change of use to the building is to be considered as a method of prolonging the vitality and viability of Galway City Core and extending the usability of the protected structure,” the planning statement for the application states.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by December 3 of this year.
