Major development on site of former Queen's Cinema approved

The Queen’s Gate project, on the site of the old Queens Cinema, has been granted full planning permission.

The mixed-use development went through by a vote of six to four at today's meeting of the Development and Planning commission. It will include 224 apartments, 14 senior living units, underground parking and two floors of commercial units. 

The site will also feature a dance hall to be run in partnership with the Ministry of Culture.

However, works can only start once residents currently in the hostel on the site of the Queen's have been moved to the Sunrise Motel.

During the meeting, Minister Pat Orfila was asked for an update on this time line but said she wasn't sure when this would be.

The ESG’s Janet Howitt voiced doubts over traffic management, saying sewage works have already caused issues and that adding more residents would exacerbate the situation further. She also described the build as ‘too large’ for such a historic area. 

The Heritage Trust’s Claire Montado agreed with concerns about visual impact but said  there were many positive heritage features, and appreciated the additions to public life the project would bring.

When voting came, the project was approved by a majority.