Plans for expansion of supermarket in Knocknacarra
Plans for an extension to Joyce’s Supermarket in Knocknacarra – which would increase the shop floor area by one quarter and add a new café and medical centre – have been lodged with Galway City Council.
Owner Pat Joyce has sought permission for the change of use for the unused element of the centre (to the rear of Kingston Dental and Walsh’s Pharmacy) from community centre and storage to a 575 square metre extension of the supermarket; a 231 sq m café and a 266 sq m doctors’ surgery.
The extension would bring the gross floor area of the supermarket to 2,454 sq m.
“The subject area was originally granted as a community facility, however this use was not enacted. The area has remained unused to date . . . community room use will continue at first floor level.
“The proposed development has had due regard to the site’s designated ‘Neighbourhood Centre’ status and seeks to provide other complementary neighbourhood facilities which will consolidate the centre and provide additional services for local residents within an existing vacant area and underutilised building.
“The rationale behind this extension is to enhance the customer experience and make the shopping experience more comfortable.
“It will enable [Joyce’s] to widen the existing aisles in the store and make the supermarket a more attractive place for customers.
“Retail is a dynamic business and it is considered that the store needs to evolve to stay up to date with emerging retail trends and remain competitive amongst opposition retailers,” the application reads.
According to a Retail Impact Assessment prepared for rival supermarket operator Lidl, Joyce’s in Knocknacarra had an estimated annual turnover of €17 million in 2016.
A decision on the planning application is due from Galway City Council next week.