Playwright - Blackrock what's happening???

starbaby2003

Just passed the old Playwright on Newtownpark Avenue. Anyone know what's opening there ?

scotchy

Turning it into a Tesco Metro or express from what I've heard.

starbaby2003

scotchy wrote: »

Turning it into a Tesco Metro or express from what I've heard.

Shame, I think a nice local pub could do really well there.

uch

starbaby2003 wrote: »

Shame, I think a nice local pub could do really well there.

There's a nice local pub around the corner and it's never too busy, so can't see how a second would be any different

coylemj

scotchy wrote: »

Turning it into a Tesco Metro or express from what I've heard.

That's been mentioned a few times here but frankly I doubt it. There's already a convenience store (Spar/Centra) in the Texaco filling station by the junction with the Monkstown relief road and opening a Tesco Metro that close would make no sense. Access and parking is ok for a pub on the Playwright site but a PITA if you're just popping in for a pint of milk, especially if coming from Newtownpark Ave.

Add to that the fact that whatever is going on in the Playwright site has been going on for several months now. If it was earmarked for a Tesco store, the contractor would have a deadline to meet and there would be large banners above the hoarding proclaiming that Tesco was on the way, opening on a given date.

starbaby2003

Hopefully all will be revealed shortly.

delahuntv

Planning finalised in April - development has now started on a "shop" + associated works. Additional 2 shops also being created from house next door with access/carparking joinging up with playwright.

All info available from DLCC planning files.

spillit67

The latest rumour I had heard was a Starbucks was going to be put in part of the site with a retail operation and another shop there as well. The Butler Brothers who own the site are the owners of the franchise, hence the rumour.

Tesco Express isn't happening. That was I believe the tentative plan when they closed TGIs originally but planning was refused at that stage. Now Tesco are focusing on their current stores and trying to fight back after their recent debacles.

There was at least 4 incarnations over a 5/6 year period of the old Piggybank shop and the old Peppercorn site is now a Deli doing okay. The site definitely has potential, the old Playwright was one of the busiest pubs in Dublin twice being the most expensive pub in the country. The Centra Texaco is ridiculously busy with that new link road increasing traffic further in the area.

I'm guessing they're building the above and hoping someone will come in. You'd have to think Aldi and Lidl looked at it at some point. Not sure why they didn't just give up and put apartments on it a year or two ago though.

Gareth Keenan

Perfect spot for another Wetherspoons!

spillit67

Another idea was for an Avoca. Perfect site really but a bit close to their Monkstown store currently.

delahuntv

spillit67 wrote: »

The latest rumour I had heard was a Starbucks was going to be put in part of the site with a retail operation and another shop there as well. The Butler Brothers who own the site are the owners of the franchise, hence the rumour.

Tesco Express isn't happening. That was I believe the tentative plan when they closed TGIs originally but planning was refused at that stage. Now Tesco are focusing on their current stores and trying to fight back after their recent debacles.

There was at least 4 incarnations over a 5/6 year period of the old Piggybank shop and the old Peppercorn site is now a Deli doing okay. The site definitely has potential, the old Playwright was one of the busiest pubs in Dublin twice being the most expensive pub in the country. The Centra Texaco is ridiculously busy with that new link road increasing traffic further in the area.

I'm guessing they're building the above and hoping someone will come in. You'd have to think Aldi and Lidl looked at it at some point. Not sure why they didn't just give up and put apartments on it a year or two ago though.

They also own leisureplex, but there won't be a bowling alley there. Starbucks wouldn't work in that location.

The retail store will be about 5000 / 6000 Sq ft, so it's tesco Express / M&S simply food or similar. It won't be Aldi/Lidl as it's too small.

Tesco just not opening any "extra" stores or large format supermarkets. They are still looking to open Express stores.

starbaby2003

Would a shop like Donnybrook Fair / Fresh do well there I wonder.

dublinman1990

starbaby2003 wrote: »

Would a shop like Donnybrook Fair / Fresh do well there I wonder.

There is already another Donnybrook Fair at Stillorgan Shopping Centre so again too near in a location like the old playwright site.

Exclamation Marc

Whatever it is, they have taken an absolute age with renovations. I know the removal of thatch took quite a while but I've never seen such a small site take so long; its well over a year at this stage.

spillit67

I guess it must be a skeleton crew working on it. Perhaps insurance prompted it, the place was falling apart and the roof would have been a serious hazard and I imagine the cost of it being empty was still very big. Clearly there's no tenant lined up which isn't ideal for them.

Blut2

From the outside it looks like they've added more floor space to it - expanding into the old smoking area?

Will be interesting to see what finally emerges from the mysterious "shop" planning permission.

Its a shame Wetherspoons didn't move in, it would have been a good fit I think.

Exclamation Marc

Blut2 wrote: »

From the outside it looks like they've added more floor space to it - expanding into the old smoking area?

Will be interesting to see what finally emerges from the mysterious "shop" planning permission.

Its a shame Wetherspoons didn't move in, it would have been a good fit I think.

Yeah the added floor space area looks prime built for a cafe or some sort.

Have to say I'm glad it's not Wetherspoons, the underage (have seen and heard loads of them there) and 18 year old contingent currently invading the Blackrock pub at weekends or holidays is atrocious and completely puts me and and my mates off the place.

starbaby2003

I think I might call in and the butcher next door does he know !

Obelisk29

starbaby2003 wrote: »

I think I might call in and the butcher next door does he know !

They didn't a couple of weeks ago.

Exclamation Marc

The lads in the Wishing Well were saying on their Facebook that the security guys are saying it's to be an Aldi...

Taking it with a pinch of salt but tis possible.

Zascar

Pity its not another bar - the area could do with something decent. I used to work in the Playright back in the day - it was a fantastic spot. I'd hate to see it turned into a crappy shop

scotchy

The Wishing Well Facebook page is saying its going to be an Aldi.

:rolleyes:

.

spillit67

Work is so slow on this project that I seriously doubt they have anything lined up and are just spending whatever spare cash flow they have from their other assets to build it up to something respectable.

Exclamation Marc

It's actually astonishing how slow it is being developed. It has been at least 14 months by my count (at the least) since work has started.

spillit67

Manufactured Miracle wrote: »

It's actually astonishing how slow it is being developed. It has been at least 14 months by my count (at the least) since work has started.

Insurance costs and running costs must have really spiraled and forced their hand.

The building hasn't generated cash flow in nearly 4 years now and it was the most expensive pub in Ireland! Imagine what they are paying for it yearly to just sit there!

ted1

spillit67 wrote: »

Insurance costs and running costs must have really spiraled and forced their hand.

The building hasn't generated cash flow in nearly 4 years now and it was the most expensive pub in Ireland! Imagine what they are paying for it yearly to just sit there!

or they could have benefitted from it in generating no cash and received a 75% debt write down...

starbaby2003

Sorry for reopening old post but I passed this yesterday and it definitely looks like a small supermarket is going in there. I hope it's Fresh or similar but it will probably be a large Centra. Does anyone know ?

helimachoptor

There's a centre across the road I think?

starbaby2003

helimachoptor wrote: »

There's a centre across the road I think?

That's just down from it, attached to the petrol station. It is small though. I think from the size of the TGI building it will be a mini mart size.

Exclamation Marc

I don't think anything is happening with the site.

When the fake facades are put up its usually a sign that they've either been told by the council to fix its appearance and/or its trying to be sold off.

I hope I'm wrong but as with the old AIB building in donnybrook it's probably just to improve the appearance while it sits vacant.

starbaby2003

Manufactured Miracle wrote: »

I don't think anything is happening with the site.

When the fake facades are put up its usually a sign that they've either been told by the council to fix its appearance and/or its trying to be sold off.

I hope I'm wrong but as with the old AIB building in donnybrook it's probably just to improve the appearance while it sits vacant.

You're probably right. I hope not though. Such a waste a building of that size sitting there vacant.

Blut2

starbaby2003 wrote: »

You're probably right. I hope not though. Such a waste a building of that size sitting there vacant.

When did TGIs close? 2010-ish? Its such a long length of time to sit idle, given how expensive the property was.

the groutch

limited parking was, and always will be an issue there.
public transport access is also somewhat limited.
I'd image these are significant issues in attracting a new buyer/leasee

toreilly

Anyone got any update on this? Recently there has been posters on the windows of a shopping centre but still no name. Weird.

L1011

toreilly wrote: »

Anyone got any update on this? Recently there has been posters on the windows of a shopping centre but still no name. Weird.

Those posters are put up to make somewhere look less derelict/empty, nothing else.

The drink licence for the pub is still active - which is not free to do - so someone still has plans clearly.

toreilly

It's going on so long it's mad. Must be costing them a fortune. Can't wait for it to open. As long as it's something nice 😉

nuttyboy79

Passed by it the other day and there was a guy cleaning the windows inside the place, there was other movement going on behind him I was driving so couldn't see all that much.

coylemj

nuttyboy79 wrote: »

Passed by it the other day and there was a guy cleaning the windows inside the place, there was other movement going on behind him I was driving so couldn't see all that much.

Nothing has happened there in the past six or more months other than the recent installation of posters inside the windows showing shopping images, this despite the fact that there is no 'To Let' or 'For Sale' sign on the premises.

Bear in mind that there is already a convenience store down the hill at the Texaco filing station where in/out access is far better than it would be to a store located at the Playwright site so I cannot see anyone opening a Centra or similar store there.

Something it would be suitable for would be the type of store operated by Avoca where shoppers do a lot of browsing followed by a coffee or lunch.

toreilly

Avoca would be great. But I suppose it's too close to Monkstown. Rumours so far are, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Avoca.

starbaby2003

toreilly wrote: »

Avoca would be great. But I suppose it's too close to Monkstown. Rumours so far are, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and Avoca.

Avoca would be great. Their scones are lovely.

spillit67

I suggested the Avoca on here as something that would be good for the site about a year and a half go. Shortly after I read on Facebook and elsewhere that that's what was going in.

All of the rumours are twaddle, just made up by someone as a suggestion and ran with with by someone who reads here.

It will likely be a supermarket and a few shops going by the premises but nothing is signed for the place. When it is, work might pick up on it for longer than a couple of weeks.

Living Off The Splash

Seems to be something happening now. Anyone know?

starbaby2003

I passed on It on Sunday. No planning up or anything. Just a "to let" sign. Didn't notice anything. What was happening?

beer enigma

Living Off The Splash wrote: »

Seems to be something happening now. Anyone know?

Application Date:
16-Feb-2017
Planning Application Ref:
D11A/0602/C3
Registration Date:
16-Feb-2017
Decision Date:
29-Mar-2017
Application Type:
Compliance with Conditions
Extension of time to:
Main Location:
The Playwright Public House, Newtownpark Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Proposal:
Compliance re Condition no. 12 (PL06D.240355)
Full Description:
Compliance re Condition no. 12 (PL06D.240355). Planning permission is sought for modifications to previous planning permissions (Reg. Ref. D11A/0092 & D09A/0930) consisting of a new pedestrian access from Newtown Park Road, alterations to the car park, modifications to the elevations, signage, plant and all ancillary site development works and site services. Planning permission is also sought for a change of use from pub/restaurant to shop (770 sq.m net) with associated basement storage and subsidiary alcohol sales area.

http://planning.dlrcoco.ie/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=D11A/0602/C3&backURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display?paSearchKey=1965934%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%20%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%27wphappsearchres.displayResultsURL?ResultID=2269947%26StartIndex=1%26SortOrder=rgndat:desc%26DispResultsAs=WPHAPPSEARCHRES%26BackURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display?paSearchKey=1965934%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%27%3ESearch%20Results%3C/a%3E

starbaby2003

This was denied. Does this mean they can't change to a shop and it must stay as bar /restaurant or they just need to plant more trees ????! Also I thought those guys only had restaurants so would this be a precursor to selling ?

beer enigma

starbaby2003 wrote: »

This was denied. Does this mean they can't change to a shop and it must stay as bar /restaurant or they just need to plant more trees ????! Also I thought those guys only had restaurants so would this be a precursor to selling ?

This was just an amendment to the main planning, The original change of use went through (just can't find the application),so this denial is just a minor blip, the previous similar amendment was passed...

Thiss looks like the original change of use which was passed:

Permission for Change of Use of existing 2-storey building (173sqm) from residential to retail use and a single storey retail extension to rear (214 sqm) to provide two retail areas (area 1 = 237 sqm, area 2 = 57 sqm, circulation = 8 sqm). Also, 9 new car parking spaces to rear to be accessed via the Playwright premises car park circulation area. Also, single storey shopfront extension to front. Also, demolition of 5 sqm of existing.

http://planning.dlrcoco.ie/swiftlg/apas/run/WPHAPPDETAIL.DisplayUrl?theApnID=D14A/0777&theTabNo=1&backURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display?paSearchKey=1965956%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%20%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%27wphappsearchres.displayResultsURL?ResultID=2269973%26StartIndex=1%26SortOrder=rgndat:desc%26DispResultsAs=WPHAPPSEARCHRES%26BackURL=%3Ca%20href=wphappcriteria.display?paSearchKey=1965956%3ESearch%20Criteria%3C/a%3E%27%3ESearch%20Results%3C/a%3E

CeilingFly

Reading this with interest. Used to live nearby.

On planning, you have different planning for different parts of the development. Above post is for buildings attached but not part of old Playwright.

Latest planning is for change in delivery hours to 6am-8am and 7pm to 10pm.

My guess for occupants

Starbucks (franchise operated by the Butlers)

Fresh the good food market, who have said they plan additional stores.

Its too small for Aldi / lidl / tesco.
Too big for tesco Express. Too small for new style avoca.

Could take a Supervalu, but Fresh is probably the most likely suitor.

spillit67

It needs to be just leveled and turned into apartments at this point, madness that such a prime site has been idle for so long.

Zascar

I worked there many years ago and it was a fantastic spot in it's day. Such a great venue with the mezzanine and great catchment area. Place used to be packed with people who would on on to Club 92. Food was very good too. Such a pity no one could make it work.

starbaby2003

spillit67 wrote: »

It needs to be just leveled and turned into apartments at this point, madness that such a prime site has been idle for so long.

I don't agree with that at all. There are at least three if not four developments currently in the works within a 1km radius. A small supermarket with cafe would work well there imo.

spillit67

starbaby2003 wrote: »

I don't agree with that at all. There are at least three if not four developments currently in the works within a 1km radius. A small supermarket with cafe would work well there imo.

Seemingly nobody wants the property though and the Butlers have been trying to get a super market in there since they closed TGIs. Remember that the old Piggybank which became a Centra didn't last too long there. In fact if you include the old Ardagh shop; 3 shops have ceased trading in the area in the last 15 years. The area grew significantly in the 70s/80s but barring a few small developments it has been at its maximum capacity since the Carysfort Estates went in the late 90s.

As regards being a mini shopping centre. The area has two large enough shops/small markets in close proximity - the Spar and the Texaco. Cafe wise one closed recently enough but you have the Glutten Free Cafe as well as the Wishing Well close by. You have a butchers. You have a couple of hairdresses, 2/3 barbers, a bookies, a funeral parlour, two laundrettes, two restaurants, two takeaways and an off licence close by (off the top of my head). That's a community quite well covered and as mentioned we've seen various shops & other businesses come and go in the last few years.

What I think could work would be a total reconfiguration of the Playwright and Newpark Shopping Centre site into one with better parking and access. But the NSC doesn't have any issues with getting tenants and the owner (s?) must be making quite a bit off a building that is there at least 30 years at this stage.