CHQ to turn George’s Dock frontage into ‘culinary hotspot’

The new owner of the CHQ shopping centre in Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre is to turn vacant units along George’s Dock into a culinary destination as part of a new retail strategy for the complex.

Agent Lisney has been appointed to find suitable operators of restaurants and/or gastropubs and also at least two complementary businesses to locate in the conservatories and vaults adjacent to the Ely Bar & Brasserie.

The complex was reconstructed in 2005 by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority at a cost of €45 million.

It was sold in July this year to the wealthy Irish-American businessman E Neville Isdell for just over €10 million.

Mervyn Greene of CHQ Dublin said the development of vacant units alongside George's Dock would be the first concrete steps to create a vibrant multi-purpose complex.

He said they were looking forward to creating a “food and beverage hot spot” in what was a stunning building.

Hugh Markey of Lisney said the available space was ideal for traditional or ethnic restaurants, boutique bars and café bars.

The agent was also seeking “best in class” operators for what would be a world class destination for locals and tourists alike.

“Think Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall in Boston by way of a road map,” Mr Markey said.