Planning Approved for New Indoor Food Market at the Old Connacht Tribune Printworks
A major milestone has been reached for Galway’s food community, as planning has officially been approved for the redevelopment of the former Connacht Tribune printworks into a large indoor food market. This follows the initial proposal lodged last year, which outlined a vision for a contemporary food hall supporting local producers, street food traders and artisan makers.
The approved plans give a detailed look at what this new market will offer. The building will be transformed into an indoor food hall of approximately 8,500 square feet, providing space for around thirty food and drink vendors. The design includes a flexible mix of permanent food units and smaller micro stalls that can be used by pop up traders or seasonal businesses. Indoor seating and covered outdoor seating form part of the layout, giving visitors a welcoming and social space to enjoy.
A teaching kitchen is also included in the plans, which could be used for cooking classes, demonstrations and food workshops.
Additional features such as a performance area for music and cultural events and a dedicated BBQ area show that the developers intend to create more than a simple marketplace. They aim to build a hub for food, culture and community activity in one of Galway’s most recognisable buildings.
According to the information released to date, utilities such as water and electricity will be supplied to each permanent stall, although there will be no gas supply within the building. This is worth noting for any trader considering applying. The developers have spoken about the site becoming an incubator for new and growing food businesses, offering shared facilities, high footfall and a lower risk environment for start ups.
While planning is now approved, there are still a few details to watch. The building is part of a protected structure, meaning some aspects of renovation will need to follow heritage requirements. There also appears to be an active appeal associated with the planning file, which may affect timelines. An official opening date has not yet been announced, and earlier references to opening in the first half of the year may now change.
For traders, this development could open the door to new opportunities within Galway city centre. The mix of permanent units and short term pop up space suggests there will be room for a range of food businesses, from established brands to first time traders looking to test a concept. With its central location on Market Street and strong public interest in the project, the market is likely to attract significant footfall once open.
We will continue to follow the progress of this new indoor market and will share updates on stall applications, timelines and opportunities for those interested in trading.
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Grainne & Greg
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