The former Lantern Bar in Ballybane is set to be demolished, with plans for a four-storey 31-bed student accommodation block to be built in its place.

Planning permission is being sought for the construction of a new centre to include 17 en-suite bedrooms, a communal reading room/study area, a kitchen/living/dining area, a gym and a roof terrace at third floor level.

A retail unit is also planned for the ground floor of the building, located at the Ballybane Shopping Centre.

The Lantern Bar, which has not operated as a pub since a series of public order incidents in 2019 led to its licence revoked following several objections from residents.

However, the licence was renewed on appeal at Galway Circuit Court in February 2020 when the court was told that it was intended to sell the premises.

Current owners Glen Ward and Maureen McDonagh, in their application to Galway City Council for planning permission, said that due to its proximity to the main ATU Galway campus, the scheme was principally designed to cater for the needs of international students.

“It is envisaged that students will be attracted as tenants from outside of Europe to take their accommodation for the duration of their respective courses.

“For these students it is often their first time to reside in a different country, and they require a conveniently located, modern, safe and high-quality living environment, with access to all essential commercial support services,” they added.

The applicants said that the ‘modest’ student accommodation development would have a suitably proportioned outdoor amenity area, including a landscaped picnic area and a covered seating area at surface level.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on the application by September 10.

Pictured: The former Lantern Bar at Ballybane Shopping Centre will be replaced by a four-storey student accommodation building with retail space on the ground floor, as shown in the image.