There are plans to develop a new urban quarter in Athlone involving a €150 million retail and residential centre in the heart of the Westmeath town.
Gallico Developments has resubmitted its plans for the town centre just eight months after its original plans were rejected by An Bord Pleanála.
If given the go-ahead the new urban quarter would create 500 jobs in the construction phase, followed by 950 long-term posts.
The 6½-acre site will contain a 161-room four-star hotel, 163 residential units, 1,151 underground car spaces, covered streets and a square.
Presently, the Golden Island Shopping Centre is located about 700 yards away from the traditional town centre. Gallico says its development will balance this "shift in the centre of gravity". The development will feature 39,000 square metres of retail space, and 14,000 square metres of mixed residential units.
A new hotel will replace the Royal Hotel, which will be demolished once permission is granted. Other buildings in the vicinity of the site have already been purchased.
Athlone Town Council granted permission last year for the original plan, with only one objector to An Bord Pleanála.
Gallico says it has attempted to address Bord Pleanála's concerns, which the company describes as centring "on the poor integration of the scheme into its context". It has purchased more land which it says will improve access and egress, provide more open public space and complete the streetscape.
Athlone council included rejuvenation of the town centre as a priority in its 2002 development plan.
There is considerable dereliction in the area around the proposed centre, although the Prince of Wales Hotel nearby has been totally revamped.
A model of the proposed centre is on permanent display in the offices of Athlone Town Council.