Big plans for 'Little China' in Athlone

Westmeath looks set to become the home of a massive exhibition site showcasing goods from China - but Athlone, and not Mullingar, is the location earmarked for the multi-million development.A site at Creggan, close to Kilmartin's roundabout is being considered for the development, which, if it goes ahead, will see up to 10,000 jobs created, and the arrival of between 20,000 and 35,000 visitors a week to the site.The concept is of a permanent trade fair, showcasing Chinese products and goods to Western European customers.Some 2,000 Chinese workers are expected to relocate to Athlone, providing a major shot in the arm for Athlone's property market.Although the jobs dividend has been at the focus of national and local media coverage in the last few days, it's understood another key benefit to Athlone would be the steady flow of worldwide visitors to the centre.News of the huge project, which has the potential to utterly change the face of Athlone, broke last week as Westmeath County Council discussed an ambitious draft area plan for the wider Creggan region.Although those involved in the project are refusing to comment, it's understood Chinese investors have been considering the Athlone location for some time.Formal announcements are expected to be made sometime in October or November.Those behind the project have met with the county manager, Danny McLoughlin, top politicians, business leaders and the Taoiseach in recent months as they work behind the scenes to progress the plans.Plans include a network of enterprise units, surrounded by hotels and residential development, of a scale beyond anything that the midlands has witnessed before.A major international conference centre along with several smaller conference centres are also included in early plans.A landmark rotating spire or tower at the entrance to the development site has also been discussed.Similar projects in China include a series of four and five star hotels, and other services, used by both workers and visitors. It's understood the Chinese investors also considered other Western European locations, but have prioritised an English-speaking country.Although work has been ongoing for almost 30 months on the project, there are still no concrete signs of progress, though the willingness of the Taoiseach to speak publicly on an issue that had been kept tightly under wraps speaks volumes about the Government's confidence in the project.The land itself was bought by local developers back in 2006 for a sum estimated to be in the region of €50m.