New Tipperary takeaway given go-ahead to be built in protected building
Planning permission has been granted to convert a protected building in Tipperary into a takeaway.
Nike Arra had applied to Tipperary County Council for permission to change the use of a listed building in Tipperary town, paving the way for a takeaway in a former restaurant on the Main Street.
The proposed Nico’s Takeaway would be in the former Prime 74 restaurant in the town, which closed in 2022. The building was also formerly used as a bank before it closed.
In assessing the application, a council planner raised concerns that the proposal would reduce the building’s contribution to the town centre
They said that the “high value” space on the ground floor would be lost, and would become a waiting area for customers of the takeaway.
"I note that the unit has been vacant a number of years and its reuse is welcome, however it is pertinent that any new use is of high value. Whilst it is accepted that the development plan does not preclude take aways within the primary retail area (PRA), I have concerns in relation to the contribution which the proposed use will make to the vitality and vibrancy of the PRA.
"I would consider it more appropriate that a dine-in option is retained at ground floor level and that the take away is in conjunction with same,” the planner said.
Nike Arra was asked to provide further information to the council stating whether this is viable or not.
In response, an agent acting on behalf of Nike Arra said that previous dine-in restaurants at this location had failed and it would not be a viable business model.
"The subject unit has a documented history of vacancy following the failure of two successive sit-down restaurant ventures at this location. Despite significant efforts, a traditional restaurant model has proven commercially unviable.
"The overheads associated with a full-scale restaurant in this specific unit exceed the sustainable market yield for this area,” the agent said.
The building is currently sitting empty, but a grant of planning permission would help to keep the fabric of the protected building intact and keep it from falling into dereliction, the agent added.
"While the council expresses a preference for a sit-down restaurant, the proposed use will function as a high-quality food-to-go business. This use creates consistent footfall and evening activity,” they said.
"A takeaway use represents the only currently viable business model for this specific site. By occupying the unit, the applicant will invest in the shopfront and internal maintenance, enhancing the visual amenity of the PRA and preventing the further decline of a prominent town-centre site,” they added.
Under the plans, the takeaway would be open from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week, according to planning documents.
Tipperary County Council granted planning permission for the development, subject to six conditions.
The building was advertised for sale in August 2024, with a guide price of €380,000, though the final purchase price has not been disclosed.
The new Tipperary town outlet would add to Nike Arra’s chain of takeaway restaurants, with one already operating in the nearby village of Cappawhite, with another in the north Tipperary town of Newport.