A former abattoir and meat wholesaler with considerable redevelopment potential off Francis Street in Dublin 8 will be of interest to a range of property developers when it goes on the market today through agents Murphy Mulhall.

The agency is seeking offers above €4 million for the 0.2 hectare (0.49 acre) site at Carman’s Hall which has been vacant for a number of years.

The agency says it has a “positive planning history” following the granting of planning permission for 70 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The planning approval for a four, five and six storey development came through in 2008 and has since expired.

The L-shaped site is zoned for residential use and, according to Robert Murphy of the agency, the recent changes in the planning design standards would allow purchasers to take advantage of greater densities once a planning approval was forthcoming for either an apartment scheme or for student accommodation.

The area has a big student population because of its close proximity to NCAD, the DIT campuses at Aungier Street and Kevin Street as well as St James’s Hospital.