China plan could represent pivotal moment in Athlone history

The decision of An Bord Pleanala to grant permission to the first phase of the project which is commonly known as 'Chinatown' represents a major step forward for the developers. Athlone Business Park Ltd, the company behind venture, received approval for phase one of the massive €175m project, an International Trade and Commerce Centre on a 137 hectare site at Creggan, Athlone, yesterday (Tuesday). The International Trade and Commerce Centre, with an overall price tag of €1.4bn, will provide showcase/demonstration space for Chinese manufacturers and traders to display their products to European and other international buyers, with a view to generating bulk orders, which will then be delivered from the producers in China. The sheer scale of this project has caught the imagination of the general public in the Athlone region over the past two years. With all planning hurdles now overcome, all in Athlone and the wider Midlands await further developments with bated breath. This could represent a pivotal moment in Athlone's future economic development. If it comes to pass and is successful, this project has the potential to usher in a new era of growth and prosperity in the Midlands. The possible economic spin-off for the region is immense - and the development of this scale and nature would utterly change the face of Athlone. Alternatively, a failed attempt to develop the Europe China Trade Hub would represent a catastrophe for both the individuals involved, and more importantly, for the town as a whole. There have been serious concerns expressed that the Europe China Trade Hub could represent the mother of all ghost estates. However, it is, to some extent, reassuring that the developers intend to build the project in phases. At present, they have secured planning permission for Phase One of five possible phases. Nonetheless, Phase One alone is of mind-boggling proportions. An estimated 1,500 jobs are expected to be created when the first phase is operational, as well as 1,200 posts during the construction phase. Phase one of the International Trade and Commerce Centre will comprise of two exhibition halls, each containing space for 270 concessionaires to display their wares, one hall for visiting exhibitions with space for 135 flexible separate display areas, nine smaller exhibition halls, one administrative building and an entrance concourse. The developers, though, are unlikely to construct the centre without first having the necessary private finance available and pre-sales of concession spaces at the centre. There is no guarantee of success in any business endeavour. However, all in Athlone will be hoping the developers have their sums done, their i's dotted and t's crossed in advance of construction commencing on site. Westmeath County Council also has an important role to play in ensuring that the necessary infrastructural improvements are in place, in advance of any trade occurring at the facility. Similarly, the town will require an injection of capital from Government for improvement works on drainage and electricity supplies It may have been considered by many locally to be bizarre, outlandish and unbelievable, but the notion of Athlone hosting one of the largest trade hubs of its kind in Europe - and the biggest development ever to be built in Ireland - may yet come to pass.