Old Erin Foods Site Set For €24 Million Redevelopment

Bright New Horizon for Thurles.

Independent T.D. Deputy Michael Lowry has confirmed that the Lidl group architects Clarman, have completed extensive pre planning consultations with Tipperary County council and have lodged a formal planning application.

As most people are aware Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG is a German global discount supermarket chain, based in Neckarsulm, Germany, that operates over 10,000 stores across Europe and the United States.

This application also includes planning for the construction of 60,000 Sq. Ft. of modern business accommodation. This will be marketed as “Thurles Business Innovation Centre”.

The accommodation will be finished to a very high specification and will be enabled for fibre broadband connectivity. The campus will have the capability to act as a regional hub for technology and research. There is a very strong demand for such facilities at present, given the lack of suitable accommodation at competitive rates.

The planning application will include the demolition and removal of all existing buildings along with the clearance of the entire 8.5 acre site. Lidl will construct a modern new store of approximately 22,000 sq. ft, with associated car parking to be serviced by means of a new entrance.

This project will comprise 3 phases:
Phase 1 :- The demolition of the existing buildings and full site clearance. This in itself is a very substantial contract requiring specialist contractors. It involves the removal of huge quantities of asbestos. This is a hazardous waste. There are stringent regulations governing its removal and disposal. I have been assured by Lidl that this sensitive material will be handled in full compliance with International standards.
Phase 2 :- The construction of a new site entrance. The site will be accessed by means of a proposed new roadway which will form the initial phase of the inner relief road for Thurles, linking Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road. Also to be included as part of the development works, are significant improvements to the River walkway at the rear of the site.
Phase 3 :- The construction of the new state of the art retail store and 60,000 sq. ft. business centre. The Lidl decision to locate a new store on the old Erin Foods site has enabled the entire site to be redeveloped. The very substantial investment by Lidl in their new store including infrastructure such as roadways, car parking, water, waste water, power supply and high end IT capability has made the remainder of the site extremely attractive to Castletown Capital. The entire project creates an exciting opportunity to revitalise a prime site which has been dormant for many years. It will generate significant job opportunities and revitalise the local Thurles economy.

The project will take 2 years to complete after planning is granted. Both Lidl and Castletown Capital have committed, where possible, to use local materials and trade suppliers.

Announcing the project, Deputy Lowry stated, “This is fantastic news for Thurles. Like every rural town it has struggled to recover from the recession. This project, with an investment of €24 Million, will give Thurles a new lease of life and reinvigorate the economy. This exciting project together with the €6.5 Million set aside for the re-development of the Town Centre, will have a transformative effect. Thankfully, after many dark days, there is the prospect of a bright new horizon”.