'Critical mass' required to grow retail in Kilcullen

Revitalisation and growth of retail business on Kilcullen's Main Street is largely dependent on development and regeneration of sites and properties on Main Street and other town centre lands, according to the Draft Local Area Plan 2014-2020 currently being considered by Councillors, writes Brian Byrne.

The planners note that while Kilcullen had no identified vacant retail space in 2001, a survey in 2009 found nine vacant retail units in the town centre area, and late last year that figure had climbed to 15. This is against a background of total retail floorspace increasing by 53 percent between 2001-2009. The document notes a 'lack of active frontages' along stretches of Main Street, and rundown and vacant premises which are a 'key element' of the streetscape that need to be 'restored and invigorated'.

The Draft LAP outlines a strategy promoting occupation of the vacant commercial and residential units in the town centre, as well as developing the potential of two identified 'expansion sites' which would provide a mix of retail, commercial and residential use with links back onto the Main Street. An 'unrealised opportunity' for urban renewal and investment could, if developed, provide a 'critical mass' of population and services that could secure the long term vitality and viability of the town centre, the Plan's authors say. Developing these sites might happen beyond the period of the new Plan.

Upper floors of some town centre properties could also be better used for commercial and residential purposes, the document suggests, while the street level should be kept for retail frontage. Residential uses in the town centre should be encouraged through such initiatives as 'Living over the Shop'.

Large-scale 'convenience format centres' will not be permitted in neighbourhood residential areas, and the town centre will be the 'priority location' for new retail development. The Council will facilitate re-use and regeneration of town centre derelict and 'brown field' land and buildings for retail and other town centre use.

The overall vision for Kilcullen, according to the Plan, is to create a 'vibrant and bustling town'. In particular, the document suggests a combination and linkage of 'unique heritage', retailing and tourism experience towards achieving this.

Councillors will be asked again at next Monday's monthly meeting to vote for publication of the Draft LAP. The matter was deferred at the last meeting, delaying the beginning of the public consultation period originally scheduled for last week.

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