Galway Bay fm newsroom - An Bord Pleanála is due to issue its decision in March on a proposal to redevelop Seapoint in Salthill.
It comes as as the applicant Oldside Enterprises Limited has appealed the city council's refusal of the project at the seaside location to the higher planning authority.
The application led by Oldside Enterprises Ltd sought to demolish a number of structures at Salthill Road Upper and single storey extensions to the south and east of the existing Seapoint building.
Under the plans, there would be minor renovations to the existing Seapoint Building and the construction of a mixed use 3-storey new build.
This would provide for leisure centre use on the ground and first floor, with seven residential units above on the second floor level.
The plan would also see a mixed use 4-storey new build, comprising of ground floor retail, first floor café and one duplex 5-bed apartment.
In refusing permission, city planners cited six factors.
One cited concerns over the design proposed for the southern and eastern gables and its interface with the public realm.
It stated that the scale and design has poor contextual reference and coherence in architectural design , and would adversely impact on the character of the existing Seapoint building.
In its appeal, the applicant argues the development is vital to the future sustainability of the existing commercial use of the site.
It also adds it has the potential to increase employment on site from 50 to 100 people.
An Bord Pleanala is due to issue its decision in late March.
