Planning permission has been granted for a new dining and events area in the Killarney Outlet Centre, as part of a plan to address long-term vacancy.
COK Property, which bought the outlet centre three years ago, was also granted permission to change the use of several retail units.
COK Property Ltd wrote in its planning application that this initial development is the first step in the transformation of the centre.
It said the outlet centre has never achieved full retail occupancy, with the majority of the first floor vacant, and this would help address the significant, long-term vacancy within its retail units.
The owners applied to change the use of six existing retail units, which have been vacant since the centre opened in 1999, into food kiosk units.
The company will create an indoor dining zone or food hall, and a bar area next to these new food units, and revamp the first-floor concourse.
As well as this, the owners will turn a corner unit at the town end into an events area with capacity for 200 people, for craft fairs, arts events, Irish music and dancing sessions, and it could also be used for touring musicians, and private corporate events.
Planning was granted subject to eight conditions, including that no part of the development can operate after 11pm on any day.
