Texaco Howth

Restructuring:

Texaco Howth was originally a petrol station located on Harbour Road in a prominent position at the south end of the west pier. McMullan & Co were initially engaged to develop the concept and implement a development which would reflect the prominence of the location and create an adequate return for the purchaser.

The concept resulted in a proposed building of 2500 m² over basement parking on a site of 690 m² comprising of retail units on the ground floor, offices at first and second floor plus penthouses at third floor level. The building was designed to maintain views of the nearby historic Findlater Building and contained a feature glass centrepiece reflecting its maritime surroundings. The proposed development was approved by the planning authority in 2008 with very minor modifications.

With the economic downturn that ensued, the proposed development was no longer viable and McMullan & Co were re-engaged to examine uses for the site which would provide a sustainable level of income for the short to medium-term; the vacant site had been used periodically as a temporary market and the “Milk Market” in Limerick was identified as a potential model for a suitable interim use.

Detailed analysis, discussions with potential tenants and extended discussions with the planning authority resulted in a concept involving a combination of retention and increased trading days for the temporary market fronted by “kiosk –style” units which would trade normal hours. The “kiosk – style” units are designed as temporary structures and can be easily removed. This newer development is fully implemented and meets its objectives.

McMullan & Co provided all the professional services in relation to the new development; they developed the concept and provided project and cost management for the initial project.