Plans for a major mixed-use commercial development in Knocknacarra have been unveiled – on a 7.7-acre site off the Western Distributor Road.

Located on ‘brownfield’ lands close to the Altán apartments complex and across the road from the existing Aldi and Lidl stores, it will include a SuperValu supermarket, other smaller shops, a medical centre and a gym.

It will be built in three blocks, ranging in height from single storey to three-storey.

An application for planning permission has been lodged with Galway City Council by Cedarglade Ltd – a subsidiary of Musgrave PLC, the company behind the SuperValu and Centra grocery chains.

The proposed scheme involves the development of a diverse array of blocks designed to establish a vibrant ‘urban village’, according to a report by MKO Planning and Environmental Consultants on behalf of the applicants.

“A key anchor building, housing a retail supermarket, will define the edge of a new public plaza and provide a pedestrian link from the Western Distributor Road into and across the site, connecting to the adjacent development as part of the overarching masterplan.

“A two-storey retail unit situated at the site’s corner near the roundabout will serve as an entrance landmark.

“Additional two- and three-storey buildings will accommodate a mix of uses, including a medical centre, gym, and smaller retail units, contributing to the structure surrounding the main car park and public plaza.”

Site access will be facilitated by a one-way road at the corner of the scheme and a secondary access road to the south, integrated into the masterplan’s broader road system, the report adds.

Pictured: The proposed new development, with the Western Distributor Road to the foregound. It will include an anchor supermarket (left of image), other smaller shops, a medical centre, offices and a gym.