A VOLUNTARY group hoping to influence the redevelopment of Dundrum village is holding an open meeting next Thursday inviting others to share their views.
The ‘Imagine Dundrum’ organisation is hosting the event on June 15 at 7.30pm in Taney Parish Centre and is hoping for a good turnout and a healthy exchange of ideas.
Spokesperson Carol Newburn told The Gazette: “There are big changes ahead for Dundrum village following the sale of the old shopping centre and its imminent redevelopment.
“Imagine Dundrum is a community initiative that has come together to ensure that local people will have a say in the redevelopment. People from the village and surrounding areas are urged to attend the meeting.
“The aim of the group is to enable the local community to come together to influence our future. We’ve been making connections with people across Dundrum and building local support.
“We have a community-focused vision for Dundrum’s built environment and want to work in collaboration with the county council, interested local organisations, businesses and individuals and with the developers.”
Last September it emerged that Dundrum Town Centre’s new owners may sell an adjoining six acres or scrap plans for more retail space in favour of an apartment-led scheme on the site.
Lapsed
UK property company Hammerson took joint ownership of the centre last July with German insurance firm Allianz.
Planning was previously granted for a 110,000sqm retail, dining and leisure facility on the site which covers the old Dundrum shopping centre – though this has since lapsed.
Imagine Dundrum has already met with several residents’ associations and public representatives and believes any plans must take account of the village’s history, rich heritage of buildings and its past economic and social development.
The group wants to advocate for what it terms “people-centred town planning, where every-day public spaces are designed and planned to foster and nurture thriving, inclusive communities, and where civic, community and cultural space is prioritised”.
To find out more go to imaginedundrum.ie or email [email protected].
