Decision time on €2m plan for entertainment centre

The developer behind plans for “Ireland's most technologically advanced” entertainment centre in the heart of Athlone believes it will “revitalise the area” and attract in locals and tourists alike as well as creating 40 new jobs, ten more than previously indicated.

It's decision time next week for the eye-catching entertainment centre proposal in the old Texas Centre in Irishtown, with Westmeath County Council due to rule on a planning application.
If the innovative project comes to pass, it will bring activities like “go-karting, roller disco, Ireland's largest Nerf Gun Arena, Nerf shooting gallery and store as well as the latest technology in the virtual reality and augmented reality entertainment space" in the largely vacant, landmark building. The project will involve a €2 million investment, according to the latest planning documents, that's up from the initial €1.5 million estimate.
Steinford Investments Fund will learn the council's verdict on its plan for the “family-oriented” attraction by May 19 next, bringing finality to the project which has been parked for several months since the council sought further information on several aspects of the plans last year, and then a further clarification of data in January in relation to the potential noise impacts of the project.
A major change from the original design which emerges in the further information is the investment in electric go-karts “in order to improve this facility and amenity and in the interests of the adjoining landowners and the environment.”
This measure cuts engine noise and emission impacts, the developer argues in the planning documents, adding that the centre would open 12-9pm Monday to Friday, and 11am and 7pm on Saturday and Sundays, something the firm maintains should be in keeping with the previous hours the centre operated when it was in retail use.
Steinford Investments Fund, which purchased the centre back in late 2017, later signed an agreement with Elevate Entertainment to launch a “unique leisure experience” in Athlone by the end of 2020 pending planning approval.
“We feel that the change of use of the centre will certainly improve the current situation where the building has been almost vacant for the last ten years,” the latest planning documents argue. “The operator is investing over €2 million in this location and creating 40 jobs in doing so,” it adds, pointing out that the operator is experienced running similar facilities in Ireland.
Parking has also been revised downwards, the documents also show, while a baseline noise survey will be carried out prior to operation.
The initial plans attracted four submissions from businesses and residents living nearby unhappy with potential traffic, noise, possible late-night opening hours and parking impacts arising from the development.
The proposed entertainment centre, a first of its kind in Ireland under one roof, would extend to in excess of 4,000 square metres over three floors and would use all the balance of the retail space in the facility previously occupied by the Texas store many years ago.