Dublin City Council has approved planning permission for a new shopfront at 28/29 Grafton Street, clearing the path for the former Victoria’s Secret location to transform into a high-end beauty and skincare destination, according to local planning records. The approval follows the withdrawal of an official objection from rival retailer Brown Thomas, which had previously challenged the redevelopment over retail-mix concerns.
Dublin City Council Approves Grafton Street Shopfront Redesign
Dublin City Council granted permission to Huntstown BioEnergy ULC, owned by Eamon Waters, to overhaul the shopfronts on both Grafton Street and Lemon Street. According to council planning documents, the redesign will enhance the existing frontage and strengthen the building’s connection to the public realm. Municipal authorities concluded that the contemporary architectural treatment matches similar styles found elsewhere along Grafton Street, including Alo, Brown Thomas, Lifestyle Sports, Sketchers, and Massimo Dutti. Regulators confirmed the alterations will not negatively impact the surrounding Architectural Conservation Area.
Brown Thomas Withdraws Retail-Mix Objection
The council decision follows the sudden withdrawal of a formal objection lodged by Brown Thomas Arnotts Ltd. Last month, operations director Mark Limby called on city planners to reject the proposal, arguing that adding another large cosmetics store would create an undue concentration of a single retail category on the street, violating the local Scheme of Special Planning Control. However, according to statements reported by sources, Brown Thomas reversed its position after constructive engagement with the developer regarding the scale and nature of the shop. Mark Limby noted that the company is satisfied its concerns have been met, paving the way for the project to make a positive contribution to the street’s character.
Expected Luxury Retailer and Relocation Context
While official planning documents from Huntstown BioEnergy ULC do not explicitly name the incoming occupant, industry reports indicate that luxury beauty brand Space NK will take over the premises, relocating from its current smaller shop at 82 Grafton Street. This shift follows Victoria’s Secret vacating the iconic Grafton Street site to establish a new flagship presence at units 1 and 2 at 40-43 Nassau Street, according to the article. The incoming beauty retailer specializes in prestige skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, and wellness products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What business occupied 28/29 Grafton Street previously?
The American lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret previously operated its flagship Irish store at this address before relocating to Nassau Street.
Who owns the Grafton Street property?
The premises are owned by Eamon Waters’s Huntstown BioEnergy ULC, according to council planning documents.
Why did Brown Thomas object to the planning application?
Brown Thomas initially argued that the new store would cause an over-concentration of cosmetics and beauty retailers on Grafton Street, contrary to local planning policies, but later withdrew the objection.
Which retailer is expected to move into the renovated space?
Industry reports point to luxury beauty brand Space NK taking over the retail units, moving from its existing location further down the street.
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