“We have a proposal put together regarding the future use” of the space, said a spokesperson for the Staycity aparthotel, which opened in January 2022 and hosts it.
Publican Paul Clinton says the seating areas outside the pub are part of the legal licensed area, but are not beer gardens. “It’s furniture on the grounds.”
A developer has applied for planning permission to demolish two houses and a mews and build a five-storey aparthotel on the corner of Mark’s Alley West.
To get council managers to the bargaining table, elected representatives rezoned the site to block their plans. Chief Executive Owen Keegan was not pleased.
Staycity say they are considering various options for the arts and cultural spaces, and want to put the square behind a gate to prevent anti-social behaviour at night.
“It’s our only community facility in the area,” said Joan Hughes, “and it provides so many services to the community, not just for the children, but for the elderly.”
The council also refused the owner’s request to demolish the existing structure on the site at 92/93 Francis Street, but on Tuesday it was being torn down.
