A proposed new €100 million office development in a new urban quarter at the Docks has been described by the IDA as a “game-changer” which is set to attract global technology companies.

The ‘Bonham Quay’ regeneration project at the former Topaz oil tanks site will open up an entirely new area of the city’s waterfront, create 500 construction jobs and office space for 2,600 workers.

It will feature 26,000 square metres of office space, 2,000 square metres of restaurants and cafés and nearly 3,000 square metres of roof gardens (including a winter garden) – which will be opened up to the public for special events.

There will also be two open squares – each the size of Spanish Arch – where activities can take place such as movie screenings and small concerts.

Overall, there will be new public open spaces created in the development which would be around three-quarters the size of Croke Park.

Backed by well-known city developer Gerry Barrett, the planning application has been welcomed by the IDA, who said it will help meet demand for ‘Grade A’ city centre offices.

Catherina Blewitt, the IDA’s West Regional Manager told the Galway City Tribune: “This is indeed a game-changer for Galway, we’re marketing this already. It is exactly what blue-chip, global names require. With the size, design and location, it has the ability to make a huge difference in terms of city centre office provision in Galway.”

She said the project is ideal for tech companies who require trendy offices and open spaces in the city centre in order to attract people to work for them.

Mr Barrett told the Galway City Tribune that now is the “opportune time” for such a development, with Donald Trump’s presidency and Brexit.

“I wouldn’t have done this if I didn’t think there would be reasonable demand. Cork has three of these developments going at the moment, one in construction and two in planning, and Limerick is ahead of Galway. Galway is lacking, and this brings us back to complete with Cork and Limerick,” he said.

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