A new report that was commissioned by Dublin City Council (DCC), and compiled by retail consultants says that the Council must, "make sure that the Dublin market [in Smithfield] doesn't become an elite place just for the middle class, and [that it] has a mix of everyday products so that people from all walks of life can shop at it."
The revamped Victorian fruit and vegetable market is set to be occupied by an array of contemporary food businesses.The market has been likened to London's Covent Garden.
The document advises that the project, "must have a social element to it," and it should not only serve high-end retailers, and that it should "stock cheaper foods" too.
The exact make-up of the development is unknown, but DCC assistant CEO Jim Keogan said last week that it will be a place where shoppers can buy fresh produce, and somewhere that will serve the local demand for takeaway food.
According to this report the market will include "incubator spaces for start-ups and community projects." There is no official opening date for the renovated market.
Architects, Donnelly & Turpin designed the plans for the site, its description of the project includes a fresh food market, and a "reduced wholesale market to serve the city’s hotels and restaurants."
