As U2 band members Bono and The Edge try to push through a major refurbishment of the John Moran’s recently established Inn@Temple Bar is likely scouting for a location to open up a new premises at a time when the dwindling number of hotel rooms in the capital is causing concern amongst both tourism and business bodies.
Jurys sold its
Earlier this year they blocked a draft area plan for Ballsbridge that would have permitted high-rise elements, apparently scuppering Dunne’s blueprints which embrace high-rise construction. Dunne needs a big return on his pricey investment, and top-loading the parcel of land in the prime location is the way to do it.
The proposed €150m Clarence make-over is constroversial, although it’s acknowledged that the quays should be a strong focal point for the city. The plan involves demolishing a number of protected building facades and structures. The co-owners – developer Paddy McKillen (who build the Jervis Centre), Bono and the Edge, have threatened that the hotel could be sold if the plans aren’t approved by the council next month. The hotel was acquired in 1992 and has lost €12m since then.
Fianna Fáil supporter John Moran seems unperturbed by such a track record and could soon end up a close neighbour. Temple Bar no doubt appeals as a location for a new Holiday Inn, its pedigree far removed from the existing Holiday Inn’s unromantic location on
This week, Holiday Inn brand owner Intercontinental launched what is believed to be the most expensive global corporate rebranding ever, costing $1bn (€700m). Each Holiday Inn hotel franchisee will be expected to spend a minimum of about €143,000 upgrading each premises. Perhaps Moran sees the rebranding as an opportune time to make a move into the capital’s heart.
Just where he’ll get space is the big question.
http://www.holidayinndublin.ie/
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