A fresh start for Naas? Politicians hope shopping centre can be sold and completed following breathrough

Local politicians have welcomed the announcement that a receiver has been appointed to take over the partially built shopping centre in Naas, a site which fell victim to the economic crash in 2008 and has laid vacant and under-developed ever since.

Dublin-based globabl valuation company, Duff & Phelps, have been appointed to take over the site, and it presents fresh hope that something can be made of the once promising venture in Naas town centre. Prospective buyers have already been spoken to by TD James Lawless, who also noted that the planning permission for the site was now obsolete, though he hopes that will ensure a fresh start for the project.

Kildare North Labour representative Emmet Stagg welcomed the news, saying that it should be opened as soon as possible.

"The Shopping Centre was due to open in 2009 and has been a blot on the Naas landscape since it became derelict," he said.

"Local residents and the business community will welcome this move by NAMA to appoint a receiver. Whilst it has taken some considerable time, I congratulate the Chief Executive of Kildare County Council, Peter Carey and his officials and NAMA Senior Staff on this positive move.

"The completion and opening of the centre is a priority for Naas and once the centre goes for sale all of our statutory authorities need to work with the new owners to ensure that it is open for business as soon as possible.

"Whatever it takes needs to be done to open the centre and enhance employment prospects for local people, and to enhance the retail experience in Naas.

Deputy Lawless mirrored the sentiments of the Labour representative, stating that the appointment of a receiver is the next vital step to make sure that a sale for the site can be agreed and a fresh start can be engineered.

"I have again spoken with potential buyers in the last few weeks since the receiver was appointed," he said.

"Following this move, these buyers will have a new chance to put proposals to Kildare County Council as this removes many of the legacy issues which had previously dogged the site. The old planning permission is obsolete so there is a fresh chance to make this work.

"I am very please with this significant step forward for the development. There are many strands to Naas as a retail destination but completing the town centre is one of the biggest steps. I will continue to work on this project to ensure it change hands, progresses, and gets open for business as soon as possible"