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Planning permission for improved aparthotel plans for the former Debenhams site given approval
Planning permission for aparthotel plans for the former Debenhams site given approval. Photo: Cian Reinhardt
Plans for a new Aparthotel in Limerick City have taken a step forward as planning permission was granted for the transformation of the Debenhams site on O’Connell Street
The Debenhams site on O’Connell Street is set to become an aparthotel following permission being granted for plans to transform the site and expand a number of rooms and to include additional retail space.
Dalespell began their building work in April 2025, following the initial permission being granted for the aparthotel, but in June, permission was granted for the expansion for the plans which see the total number of rooms in the premises increased to 74 from the original plan of 60 rooms.
Since its closure in 2020, the historical retail space has remained vacant, with work underway on the aparthotel, it aims to revitalise the landmark building on the city’s main thoroughfare. The latest amendments to the planning allow changes to the ground floor, and the one retail space initially approved has now been approved for two separate units. This would see a return to retail trading at the location which once housed Roches Stores and Debenhams.
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Work is already underway at the site, with the construction team carrying out initial demolition and coring work along with window renovations, which were approved under the original planning application, which was granted permission in 2023.
The plans will see a new top floor added to the building, which will be set back from the original building and aims to complement the area with design inspiration from Limerick’s Georgian architecture.
Other alterations will see changes to the first and second floors, creating new connections through the existing walls in a bid to improve the flow of the aparthotel space. There will also be changes made to the ground floor to accommodate the hotel’s reception area alongside the two new approved retail units.
An expected completion date for the works is unknown, but it is believed the developer aims to have the project operational in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare.
An aparthotel combines the services and booking style of a hotel but gives the convenience and space of an apartment.
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