Offers above €5 million are being sought for a site with planning permission for a new hotel overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge. Agents CBRE are handling the sale of the former Zanzibar premises, a listed building at 34/37 Ormond Quay in Dublin 1 owned by Liam and Des O'Dwyer of the failed Capital Bars Group.

The planning permission provides for the refurbishment and conversion of the two front buildings and the development of a four-storey extension to the rear to accommodate 89 bedrooms. The plan allo ws for extensive food and beverage facilities . Further along Ormond Quay, several attempts to redevelop the former Ormond Hotel have failed because of the refusal of planning permission.

John Ryan of CBRE said because of the shortage of hotel bedrooms in the city and rising room rates he expected considerable interest from both Irish and overseas developers.

The development allows for a new walkway from Ormond Quay to Great Strand Street at the back.