Plan to transform former bookshop off M7 into cafe/gym

Plans have been lodged to transform a former Portlaoise bookshop into a cafe and gym. 

John Watchorne lodged the application with Laois County Council for the change of use at the former bookshop on Bull Lane in Portlaoise. 

He is seeking a “change of use from retail (bookshop) to cafe on section of ground floor with gym changing rooms, toilet and shower facilities, gym use to 1st and 2nd floor to include internal changes and associated site works.”

Plans for the new development were lodged with Laois County Council on Friday, June 2.

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A decision on the proposal is expected to be made by the council by July 27.