The joys of makin’ a bit of a squeeze for oneself, sayin’ “Ah, this retail unit’s gone bust, but I’ve got a grand idea! Let’s turn it into a place for people to kip instead!” That’s exactly what GRCL Property Limited is proposin’ for Unit 12 of the Moat Mall in Naas, County Kildare. A planning permission application is currently wending its way through the system at Kildare County Council, and we’re takin’ a gander at what’s what.
First off, the Moat Mall’s a grand spot, and we’re not just sayin’ that ’cause we’re biased towards Naas, the undisputed gem of Kildare. But seriously, it’s a popular shopping centre with a great mix of high-street brands and local businesses. So, when the powers that be come knockin’ with a plan to turn one of those retail units into a residential space, we’ve gotta look at the pros and cons.
Now, on the one hand, think of all the young whippersnappers (or not-so-young, we won’t judge) who’d love a place to call their own in the heart of the action. No more strugglin’ to find a spot to leave yer luggage, no more long commutes to get to work or college – this would be the cat’s pajamas! And who knows, maybe it’d even give the local coffee shop a boost, what with all the students and workers lookin’ for a caffeine fix bright and early.
On the other hand, there’s the wee matter of traffic. I mean, Naas is busy enough, especially during peak hours, and addin’ more residents to the mix could cause a right old jam. And what about the poor buggers tryin’ to park their cars? It’s like tryin’ to find a Dublin bike rack on a Friday afternoon – good luck with that, as they say!
But back to the application. According to the plans, GRCL Property Limited is proposin’ to create three residential units, each with its own distinct character (or lack thereof, dependin’ on how you feel about traditonal-style apartments). The units would be designed to be mixed-use, with living space and storage combined, so ye won’t need to go rummagin’ through the garden shed for yer intertubes router.
One of the most interestin’ aspects of the proposal is the potential for the units to be let as apartments, which could be a game-changer for the Naas property market. After all, who wouldn’t want to live in the heart of the action, with all the amenities at yer doorstep? And if the project gets the green light, it could be a sign of things to come – maybe we’ll see more repurposin’ of retired retail space in the area.
Of course, there’s always the chance that planning permission might not be forthcoming, and that’s where the beauty of Irish blaggardry comes in. If the application is rejected, the applicants can always try their luck elsewhere, or – and this is where things get interestin’ – appeal the decision and force the council’s hand.
So, what do we think? Will GRCL Property Limited’s plan to turn Unit 12 of the Moat Mall into apartments be a grand success, or will it end up as a right old fiasco? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – it’s goin’ to be a wild ride, with twists and turns aplenty. And who knows, maybe we’ll even see a few feathers ruffled in the process (or in the interestin’ vernacular, “Interestin’ times ahead, so”).
In the meantime, let’s raise a pint to the spirit of innovation, and to the possibility that, just maybe, we’ll see a bright new future for the Moat Mall. Fair play to GRCL Property Limited for takin’ the leap, and here’s hopin’ that the devil won’t be in the detail when it comes to the planning permission.
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