BREAKING: Decision made on plans for old cinema in Kilkenny

Cameo Cinema Limited have been granted conditional planning permission for 'a change of use' of the 'old IMC cinema' on Gaol Road/Walkin Street in Kilkenny City 'to retail use'.

Also planned are internal and external alterations, new external signage and all associated site works.

In recent weeks, further information that was sought by Kilkenny County Council was provided by the applicant.

This included a retail impact assessment, a parking assessment and a waste management plan.

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The scale of the floorspace also required that the applicant submit a traffic and transport assessment.

The retail impact assessment noted that the building 'has been vacant without an operator for the last four years' and 'is starting to fall into a state of disrepair'.

The report continues by stating: "The building was broken into a number of months ago and was vandalised internally and the risk of continued anti-social behaviour remains. The building has been extensively marketed since it became vacant in 2021 and to date the only interest is from retail formats.

"The attraction of the subject unit lies in the fact that it is a standalone unit and there is no service charge. The proposed development facilitates the reuse of an existing vacant building in an area of the town identified for redevelopment (Fairgreen Masterplan).

"The subject site and its reuse, will facilitate and enhance pedestrian footfall and connectivity along Friary Street which connects the site with the retail core.

"Overall, the development proposal seeks to deliver on a key action and recommendation of the Retail Strategy, which seeks to encourage and facilitate the reuse of vacant buildings or under-utilised sites..."

On February 21, Kilkenny County Council decided to grant planning permission, subject to seven conditions.

It has not yet been made public if any specific retailer has been lined up to occupy the unit.

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