The Bull Ring Market gets Revamped!
Building work on Meath Street is nearing completion and is set to turn what was once the old Bull ring, through a massive refurbishment, into a brand new market. The facade of the aged building is to get a total facelift and the whole ground level will include a market and cafe with the upper stories taken up by what’s been described as ‘prestigious office suites.’ In total the entire venture will take up a full 18,000sq feet and is set to open in the coming weeks, well in time for that all important Christmas footfall.
Outlining the project Spokesperson for the developer’s ‘Salamisso Developments’ Colm Donoghue said “We have new lifts, new stairs, new plumbing and catering. The retail area will have new plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrics. There is an entirely new café and a new entrance for the upper floor offices. Essentially, we just kept the shell, gutted the inside, and started from scratch.”
Meath Street and much of the surrounding area has been crying out for investment for years and it’s hoped that the new development will draw in tourists and stop that passing trade from passing on. Mr Donoghue clearly believes he knows where the future lies. “We have the Iveagh Markets in Francis Street getting a major facelift. And of course the cultural trail, all the way from Trinity College to the Cathedrals, Antiques Row, Guinness, IMMA, Kilmainham and Chapelizod.”
It’s hoped that the market will pull punters through the sheer range of goods on offer. Close to forty retailers will be selling clothing, crafts and vast array of merchandise that will include footware, homeware and jewellery. Mr Donoghue says. “We are putting real emphasis on variety. This will be achieved by limiting the number of retailers offering similar products.”
The Street, named after the Earl of Meath, dates right back to medieval times and is one of the few genuine old school market areas left in the city. It’s hoped the new development manages to falls the right side of that thin line between badly needed investment for the area and the locals being priced out through gentrification.
