Leading supermarket erects notice for development of site in centre of Tullamore
ALDI Stores Ireland limited intend to apply for permission for the development of land between O'Connell Street and Offaly Street in Tullamore.
A site notice states the application is for the construction of a single storey ESB substation and switch room in the north-east corner of the car park.
The demolition of the old Texas site has been underway since the middle of May to make way for an Aldi supermarket.
The Texas site is zoned as an opportunity site and a plan was submitted in 2020 by Weavermay for a single-storey dual-height 1,664 sq. metre retail store to include an off licence. A three storey 874 square metre retail/office unit and a two-storey 281 sq metre cafe. This was initially sent back to the developer for a redesign.
At that time, Tony Flanagan the director of Weavermay said ''the addition to Tullamore of a supermarket would be a great regeneration of footfall for the town centre and its existing retailers.'' He stressed that the ''proposal is an opportunity to revitalise this town centre site.''
However, the council contended that the proposal by Weavermay may have been at variance with the requirements of the Urban Development and Building Heights, Guidelines for Planning Authorities, given what it said was "the lack of diversity of uses proposed, the lack of housing and the lack of density." Despite this, planning approval for the site was granted to Weavermay in 2022.
Work is currently continuing at pace and a substantial part of the buildings have already been pulled down.
The area had become a serious eyesore in the centre of Tullamore. The general air of dereliction did no favours for the town especially in Tidy Towns adjudications. Once a vibrant and bustling retail centre with attracted people from all over the country it had become a sad and lonely sight in recent years attracting vandalism and graffiti.