Plans to transform the site of the former Great Southern Hotel with a €100 million development have been unveiled.

A local businessman's proposals for the 14-acre 'Station Square' site include a dramatic 300 ft viewing tower, a large eight-screen cinema, 1,200 underground parking spaces and the relocation of a small cultural centre.

It is hoped that the tower, which is to come just under the height of Killarney's tallest building - the spire of St Mary's Cathedral - will host press launches and other such events as recommended for Killarney by consultants in 2005.

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The current conference centre, spa and leisure facilities at the Malton Hotel will also be revamped.

A planned split-level 18, 000 sqm shopping centre will add to the current retail development, quadrupling retail space in the town over the next two years.

The design of the project is being undertaken by international architects HKR and project partners include local hotelier Padraig Treacy and Killarney construction and development company Sunday's Well Properties.

The developers, however, have not applied for planning permission as of yet.

(VB)