Plans have been submitted to the city council to convert a vacant pub at Westside Shopping Centre in tourist accommodation.
Planning permission is being sought to convert the former Westside Tavern into tourist accommodation with 20 en suite bedrooms.
This would create a total of 43 bed spaces, and the project would also include a restaurant and dining area, as well as associated site works.
The restaurant will serve the guests staying here, but is also intended to be open to the local public.
Westside Tavern closed around 18 months ago after many years serving as a pub in the area.
In the time since then “no sustainable model has been put forward to reopen it as a public house” according to a design report from William O’Connor Measured Building Surveys.
The developer notes that while externally the building is an “eyesore”, it is in good structural condition and “would benefit greatly from a makeover”.
“Our clients are experienced Tourist Accommodation providers and see a clear and definite need to provide such accommodation at this location”.
The application notes that westside is a “gateway to a much greater expanse of residential areas leading all the way to Barna Road and Salthill”.
“With the addition of commercial activities around Westside, Knocknacarra, and Salthill out clients see a need for accommodation to cater for the needs of short term visitors in both the tourism and business sectors”.
Currently, the developer says “people overnighting for business or visiting relations in the area have little choice but to look for accommodation in the city centre or Salthill”.
The planning documents note that there are 13 car parking spaces directly adjacent to the premises on the northern end, one of which is a disabled space.
The developer also points to the large car park to the front of Westside Shopping Centre, adding that “demand generated by this proposal will generally be for the night time, evenings, and early morning.”
Submissions concerning this development can be made to the city council until June 27.
A final decision is due on this planning application by July 18.
