Louth County Council have granted permission for the former Dunnes Stores building at Park Street to change from retail unit to a sports entertainment premises.
Earlier this year GR8 Entertainment Ltd applied for planning permission which asked for: Permission for the following; 1) change of use from retail unit to sports entertainment premises with outdoor seating area on Park Street, 2) signage on front elevation on Park Street and side elevation on River Lane, 3) associated elevational changes, and all associated site development works.
That permission was granted last week and the path has been clear for GR8 Entertainments to bring life back to the building which has been closed since 2009. Speaking to the Dundalk Leader earlier this year, Michael Gunne from REA Gunne explained what plans GR8 Entertainment had for their new venture in Park Street.
“The buzz word on this new venture is Competitive Socialising’ while title may be a new term, it is certainly not a new concept. People were throwing darts in pubs as early as the fifteenth century, and anyone who’s played a game of pool in a bar or taken part in a pub quiz knows that a bit of healthy competition makes for a great evening. But in the past few years, the concept of competitive socialising has been revitalised, representing the biggest development to the leisure sector in many decades.
“It’s a straightforward idea: customers play a simple game in a buzzy venue with music, food, and drink. Most competitive socialising locations are large-format sites found near business districts, with a vibrant and Instagram-friendly decor designed to attract millennial and Gen Z customers,” explained Michael.
