Plans For A New Food Court In Historic City Centre Church Are Up In The Air

Plans to turn a former church into a food court and cultural space have been deemed too vague by Dublin City Council. 

Businessman Michael Wright, owner of the Wright Venue in Swords, is hoping to gain planning permission to redevelop St. Andrew's church on Suffolk St. Y'know, the one with Molly Malone outside.

The market would sell food, alcohol and also offer social aspects to the community such as music, demonstrations and a full multimedia auditorium

The church, which closed for worship in 1993, did once house Fáilte Ireland, until they moved out. Dublin City Council has asked for a full archaelogical assessment and more info on opening hours and what sort of concerts the new build will hold.

The development will consist of "a change of use from tourism information office, restaurant and annex exhibition hall to licensed food hall, dining, cultural space and annex banqueting hall."

In the documents submitted by architecture firm Joseph Doyle, the interior layout of the new food court appears to be based on the popular Time Out indoor market in Lisbon.

The interior will have a "minimalist approach" and use Irish made furniture. 

If it does look anything like Time Out then it should be absolutely stunning 

A decision on whether the plans will go ahead or not will be released by the council once more information has been submitted.

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