BREAKING: 600 parking spaces to open at shopping centre in the heart of this Kildare town

Some 600 new parking spaces are expected to open at the shopping centre in the centre of Naas.

It’s planned to open 300 spaces to the public before the end of October and according to Ger Roche of the Roche Group, which owns the premises, another 300 will come on stream in 2026.

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Construction work has been underway in recent weeks to create an enlarged opening at the Corban’s Lane entrance to the plaza.

New walls, and footpaths are being built and the area will be landscaped.

"It will mean that people will be able to drive in, park and exit through the front onto the street and visit any premises or office in the town. Parking spaces are badly needed in the centre of  the town,” said Mr Roche.

The next project at the location could mean the construction of apartments within the building.

Five months ago the Forge Inn at South Main Street, which is effectively part of the plaza, reopened. The pub has been closed for many years and in March 2018, a fire was deliberately started at premises causing extensive damage - subsequently costing at €100,000. 

Separately Central Tower Ltd, a company associated with the Roche Group plans a boutique hotel more or less above the Forge Inn. The proposal  includes eight bedroom suites on the first and second floors to the rear of the pub, creating a boutique hotel.

This project has been costed at €953,000, according to Construction Information Services, which provides business intelligence to the construction sector. A decision on this is due to be made by Kildare County Council in mid-September.