Dealz pull out of move to take over the iconic Gala Building
By Maurice Garvey
DEALZ have pulled out of moving into the Gala building in Ballyfermot – the latest surprise twist in a long running saga for a property which went into receivership in 2014.
Confirmation of the scrapped Dealz plan, arrived shortly after the iconic building was put on the market for €850,000 – as reported in The Echo last week.
Dealz were granted permission last year to open a retail unit at the premises by Dublin City Council.
In April, An Bord Pleanála overturned an appeal by a few local businesses against the decision, stating the move would support the “vitality of the village centre” and “return a vacant building to active use.”
A spokesperson for Dealz told The Echo on Wednesday that they “can confirm Dealz has no plans to open a store in Ballyfermot.”
Dealz did not elaborate on their reasons for not moving into the building.
Lack of development at the Gala is a major concern for residents in the area, seeing as it was once a vibrant focal point for the community.
Independent Councillor Vincent Jackson said: “The problem now is we could be looking at the building being vacant for another 20 years. I’ll be writing to Dunnes Stores to ask them if they would be interested.
“Our area has suffered very badly retail-wise in recent times, with James Street and Thomas Street . Tallaght is well served with Dunnes Stores as is Crumlin. The Gala has great potential, it is something that should be exciting for the area.”
Agents Turley Property Advisors, who brought the property to the market for sale, say “much of the history behind the building adds to its intrigue.”
Built in 1953, the Gala opened as a cinema in 1955, before use as a concert venue, snooker hall, and bingo hall.
Two ground floor retail units on either side of the entrance to the Gala do not form part of the sale.
The Echo understands a car park to the rear of the building with space for 50 vehicles is privately owned.
Gross internal area of the building is in the region of 18,300 sq ft with ground floor footprint in the region of 13,000 sq ft.
Formally owned by the Kearney family, the property went into receivership at the start of 2014.
