So we FINALLY now know what is going to become of the old Pod/Redbox complex in Dublin…

For a generation of clubbers, the Pod/Redbox/Chocolate Bar complex on Harcourt Street in Dublin brings back fond memories.

And though the venue never quite recaptured its magic (in this journalist’s opinion, anyway) once it was repackaged as Tripod and Crawdaddy in 2007, the news in February 2012 that it was to close – permanently – was still tearjerking stuff.

Six years on, finally we appear to have some closure (and not in a good way), with the news that owners Clancourt Holdings, which took over the buildings in 2016 in a reported €6 million deal, are planning to reopen the site as a restaurant, retail and office complex.

Business website Fora.ie broke the news last week, with plans lodged with Dublin City Council outlining significant changes to the once-hallowed venue.

As the site reported, the group’s plans are a ‘step towards the firm’s master plan to create an €850 million ‘Covent Garden-style district’ in Dublin city centre called ‘Opera Quarter’.’

It even posted an image, sourced from the Dublin City Council website.

Depressing stuff. But in spite of how the building ends up in the years to come, here’s hoping that some of the energy that lit up this iconic venue remains, and the Redbox lives to fight another day.

I’m not holding my breath, but you never know…