A grocery store in the heart of Athenry which has been closed for 20 years is now all set for a new lease of life.

The former grocery will be transformed into an art and book shop – a move that has been widely welcomed in the town.

Galway East TD Louis O’Hara was among those to welcome the granting of planning permission on the property, formerly known as Fahy’s Market and located at North Gate Street.

“Dereliction is an ongoing concern in Athenry town centre so it is very welcome to see plans to return to use a property that has been vacant for a very long time,” he said.

“It is also very positive to see plans for new business in the town as well as much-needed housing given the increasing demand locally,” he added.

Planning permission has been granted to Michael Godin and Kathryn Petruccelli to convert the derelict shop and flat into a smaller retail shop. It is also proposed to expand the existing flat and provide a new apartment to the rear.

The renovation project is to have a smaller shop; it will expand the flat into a larger three-bedroom apartment and convert the rear of the shop into a two-bedroom apartment with an atrium and yard.

One of the two residential spaces will be used by the owners themselves, who will also run a book and art shop on the ground floor.

The applicants will seek to retain a reasonably large portion of the ground floor as a book and art shop in a town currently lacking any similar establishment.

“The space would also invite bookings for gallery receptions, performances, and creative workshop events. Our hope is to establish a centre for community engagement, enhancing the character of Athenry,” they said.

“Further, we have every intention to uphold the architectural character of a medieval Irish market town when considering the installation of modifications to the storefront, for example the use of wood and stone,” they added.

Pictured: The property at North Gate Street, Athenry which is to be transformed into an art and book shop.