well what about the developments popping up in the shannonside ?
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@CologneMike wrote:
A new contemporary facade contrasts the strong Georgian context while continuing the rhythm and proportion of the surrounding streetscape through the defined geometries and alignments of the polished sandstone cladding.
Ah for God’s sake, gimme a break. Michael Healy never sank to that sort of pretentious horse-shit in the old days.
Is it all going to his head?
Good god Bock, you literature buff of critic, sure could Michael not recite his “architectural prose†across the road in the White House any night. :rolleyes:
@Dreamstate wrote:
Check out Page 2 of Limerick Leader City Edition this week ( Thursday 29th November )
It seems that some serious decisions are being made in the city
Architects offer alternative to Tiernan’s Arthur’s Quay plans
Limerick Leader By Anne Sheridan
A TOP Limerick architectural firm has presented a radical alternative to the proposed demolition of the Arthur’s Quay complex to the city planners.
In a detailed submission to Limerick City Council last week, O’Connell Street architects O’Connor & Shanahan expressed “alarm” at the plans for the multi-million redevelopment of Arthur’s Quay by local developer Michael Tiernan.Instead of developing a mixed retail development, they have called on the council to build an iconic building for civic use, which would be modelled on the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao.
“We feel quite strongly that the proposal to build on the park should be reconsidered as this space is a valuable asset to the city which has been reinforced by the removal of the railings in recent weeks,” stated architects Robert Shanahan and Michael O’Connor.
The architects requested that their submission should be considered when the final City Centre Strategy is drafted next year. However, the images of Mr Tiernan’s proposed redevelopment of the area have already been incorporated into the draft strategy and have been broadly welcomed by the planners.
Mr Shanahan has pointed out to the planners that this space was developed as part of a master plan for the area just 16 years ago.
“Though it has never worked to its full potential it is still an important public space in the city and the only public space which address the river at its widest girth,” they said.
Mr Shanahan said the one flaw with the design of the park when it was built in 1991 was that the three lanes of traffic in proximity to the park made it awkward for the public to cross the road.
However, a number of city councillors have publicly backed the plans by developer Michael Tiernan to demolish Arthur’s Quay complex, as well as a number of other buildings in the vicinity of the shopping centrre.
Under Mr Tiernan’s plans, Dunnes Stores, Penney’s, Burger
King, TSB, Sarsfield House, and Debenhams, would all be knocked for the development of a major mixed retail development on the same site.While an official planning application has yet to be submitted to the city council’s planning department, it is understood that three small parks will form part of the new development. Cllr Jim Long said he believes the proposal “is a courageous move and not at all contentious”.
The submission by the architects, entitled Scratches on the City, also states that the city urgently require a multi-functional civic building, which they propose to locate on the Dunnes/Debenham’s block.
“We think it is high time that the people of our city had an identifiable civic building which they can call their own,” they said.
They also outline plans for the orbital traffic route to be rerouted underground, specifically under the existing Arthur’s Quay Park
Public not yet privy to future iconic structures report
Limerick Leader By Anne Sheridan
ONE year on and the report on Limerick’s future iconic structures is nearly ready to be unveiled to the public.
The report titled ‘The Revitalisation of Limerick’ will be screened by an elite group of business professionals in the city next Wednesday, December 12, at the Hilton Hotel, before it comes under public scrutiny.The key players, however, remained tight-lipped about it contents this week. Maria Kelly, chief executive of Limerick Chamber of Commerce, declined to comment on the details of the ten-page report when contacted by the Limerick Leader.
Ms Kelly said the purpose of next week’s meeting is to gather feedback from those who have put forth iconic projects for Limerick in the past year.”Anything which is decided on will then go the public; it won’t be behind closed doors,” she said.
It is understood that the establishment of an independent development agency, which will complement the regener
ation agencies that have been set up under John Fitzgerald’s report, is noted in the report, alongside some five potential developments.Two consultants for the report – Dr Ed Walsh, founding president of the University of Limerick, and Peter Coyne, formerly the first chief executive of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority – have also declined to comment on the ambitious report.
However, Dr Walsh previously told this newspaper that the report will be “looking at more fundamental issues than iconic projects”.
Shannon Development, Limerick Chamber of Commerce, Limerick Co-Ordination Office and UL have been involved in the project.
UL’s Prof Eamonn Murphy, who chaired the series of brainstorming sessions, said the next stage is to source financing for the shortlisted projects, which include a multicultural village, an Irish diaspora centre and a multi-purpose event centre.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CologneMike
A new contemporary facade contrasts the strong Georgian context while continuing the rhythm and proportion of the surrounding streetscape through the defined geometries and alignments of the polished sandstone cladding.Seems to me that the building misses the proportion of the surrounding buildings .
The vertical proportions of the adjoining windows definitely dont line through on the 3d Image.@CologneMike wrote:
could Michael not recite his “architectural prose†across the road in the White House any night. :rolleyes:
Nope. Michael isn’t across the road from the White House any more, and anyway, maybe I’m being a bit unfair in accusing him of writing this appalling archibabble. With the recent expansion of his business, he could easily afford a junior associate to spout pretentious shite on his behalf.
..The report titled ‘The Revitalisation of Limerick’ will be screened by an elite group of business professionals in the city next Wednesday, December 12, at the Hilton Hotel, before it comes under public scrutiny.
WHO GETS INVITED TO THESE PRESENTATIONS AND WHO DECIDES?
Good question DreamState
Some recent news articles on current proposals for the city.
Limerick cements its Riverside City status
Limerick’s reputation as the ‘Shannonside’ city will soon be cemented as ambitious plans for a complete revamp of the riverfront were unveiled at City Hall.
The multi-million euro plans—which include a river boardwalk, extended walkway and upgraded facilities—will begin with extensive work on Clancy and O’Callaghan Strands and the area between the Shannon and Sarsfield Bridges. Senior Engineer Vincent Murray presented the detailed ‘Riverside Improvement Strategy’ and its aim of “ a high quality waterfront environment for public use†to Monday’s Environmental Special Policy Committee meeting.
Work has already begun on the “prime location†of Clancy’s Strand and this will involve upgraded footpaths, burying electric cables and removing poles, new street furniture and lights, better river access points and better signage. Trees will be added and it is hoped that the development of Jackson’s Turret will also allow for the widening of footpaths.
It is also proposed to build a wooden boardwalk “fitted to the wall itself†and looking over the river by the Treaty Stone. This proposal is awaiting approval. The plans also take in the new Curragower Falls Park—situated on an outcrop on the strand—which includes new trees, a walkway and seating.
Most of the €2.4 million worth of work will be covered by Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development.
Mr Murray praised O’Callaghan Strand for its “fantastic views of bridges and the river†but he admitted it had been “neglected†and “under utilisedâ€.
The area will be transformed into a “riverside promenade†very similar to the Clancy Strand project but 60% of parking spaces will be maintained.
Work on the €2.5 million uprading will begin in January and will currently receive “some grant aid†and this is expected to increase.
Transformation plans for the entire riverside section beside Bishop’s Quay, Howley’s Quay and Harvey’s Quay are at the public consultation stage with decision expected in January.
It is hoped that construction will begin next autumn.
Mr Murray said that it is one of the key river access points in the city and was “heavily trafficked†with “out-dated†street furniture and lighting.
Works would “improve and widen footpathsâ€, plant trees and upgrade lighting, signage and furniture and the general “public realmâ€. A new traffic system will be designed and traffic may be banned during peak hours. According to the overall plan, Honan’s and Arthur’s Quay, the Customs House. Merchant’s Quay and as far up as Barrington’s Pier will also be rejuvenated with new fixtures, along with the Shannon and Thomond Bridges.
Information signs on historical landmarks and river flora and fauna will also be added at strategic points along the walkway.
Several councillors present praised the plan and predicted many benefits of the changes. Cllr Joe Leddin said that the city’s greatest asset had been “neglected and ignored†as well as “abused. “The city has seen a lot of development and changes such as the pedestrianisation and buildings like Riverpoint. But I think it would be great if people coming into the city saw magnificent walkways connecting all the bridges and saw the visual attractiveness of it. I think these plans will really enhance the city and the immediate river environment,†Cllr Leddin added.
Limerick Independent 5 December 2007
Interesting that the proposed development at Jacksons turret is mentioned here, a decision on the controversial plans for a luxury apartment block:rolleyes: is due by January 8th
Growing concern among councillors over plans for Limerick city centre
Several city councillors have raised concerns about radical development plans set out in the draft City Centre Strategy at a meeting of the Economic Policy Development and Future Planning Strategic Planning Committee this week.
Cllr Kathleen Leddin expressed concerns that large scale developments could take over Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) while Councillor Diarmuid Scully said that the plan should be more environmentally sustainable.
Cllr Leddin said that she does not agree with certain parts of the extensive, long term strategy, which will cover six different zones of the city and proposes the pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street among other ambitious plans.
She made reference to the “site adjacent to Shannon Bridge, Condell Road†in the 58 page document which states that the site is zoned as “general purpose†i.e. open to development but is also “designated as a candidate Special Area of Conservation (pcSAC)â€.
The document goes on to say that this “pcSAC zoning is currently being appealed†by the council and the site “offers the potential for a landmark building with primarily a residential use that complements the adjacent wetlands areaâ€. Cllr Leddin claimed that she was not aware of this appeal and emphasised that SACs must be preserved and if any development went ahead it was a “disgraceâ€. “Why is this happening? If this opens the gates to developers, they will come in and develop on that side of the river which is valuable wetland and an SAC. I don’t know how it was zoned as general purpose.â€
She also asked Director of Planning John Field for more details on what works would be carried out on the city’s historic Potato Market and said she hoped that the LPYMA Grounds in her ward were not going to be earmarked for development aside from upgrading current facilities. She also questioned if the open space of Arthur’s Quay would be used for buildings. “I can’t see why we’re doing these things to facilitate developers,†she said, “We have to guard our open spaces because once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Mr Field said that a brief was being prepared to “examine ways to improve the use of the LYMPA Grounds†and that development of the general Arthur’s Quay area, including submissions by landowner’s next to the park, was being considered.
He said that the land near Shannon Bridge was only a small portion and did not “run all the way along the riverâ€.
He added that the appeal has already been lodged and that zoning was a matter for city council to consider—a matter which Cllr Leddin vowed to bring up at a future council meeting.Meanwhile, Cllr Diarmuid Scully said that city centre buildings should be made more energy sustainable similar to a successful project in Dundalk.
“Plans for that give us the ability to confer on us a competitive advantage over other cities that don’t have such a policy.
“Also, there is around €50 billion in EU funding available. In Dundalk, they introduced renewable street lighting and improved the energy efficiency of their secondary school and hospital. It would be good if we could do these kinds of positive, small scale things.â€
An Taisce criticises ‘living city’ proposal
PLANS by EML architects to transform Limerick “into a 24-hour living city” by 2020 have been slammed by An Taisce as “pie in the sky” and lacking in solid foundations.
Dan Sullivan, the chair of the Limerick association of An Taisce, said he regarded EML’s recent briefings as nothing more than “planning by press release”, and criticised EML for not producing business costings to back up their plans.“Instead, we get lots of pictures of possibilities with no basis of any sort of reality. We need a bit more realism and a bit less pie in the sky,” said Mr Sullivan.
When contacted by the Limerick Leader, Hugh Elliott, managing director of EML architects, said he was “somewhat taken aback at the negativity behind An Taisce’s comments.
“Our vision is simply that, our vision,” said Mr Elliott, one of the co-founders of the architectural practice, which has secured numerous awards since it was established in 1983.
Since this July, EML have organised two briefings for professionals in the city where they presented their challenging blueprint, Opportunities for Urban Development, Where to Next?
Under their ambitious plans, 30-storey high buildings–towering over the 15-storey Riverpoint building–along the quays were also envisaged. Most recently, they mooted a €350m tram system in Limerick city and called for the city’s population to increase to at least 150,000 by 2020.
However, Mr Sullivan said he wished to remind the public that EML architects were also responsible for the design of Cruise’s Street, which the architects now wished to see demolished.
“We have no need to import more such lame ideas,” he said.”Lots and lots of pretty drawings are being produced, but we’re seeing very little detail to back up the business cases for how all these various developments can live together.”
However, Mr Elliott said it would be interesting to hear An Taisce’s vision for Limerick city.
“A city or enterprise without a vision is doomed to failure, or at best mediocrity. Cities of comparable size all over Europe have developed models for achieving their vision, why can’t Limerick?” he asked.
EML plans to hold another business briefing in the new year. Since EML began discussing the city’s future numerous other bodies have been prompted to put forth their own vision for Limerick, including Shanahan O’Connor architects, who have outlined an alternative proposal for the redevelopment of Arthur’s Quay.
Is this the same Dan Sullivan of Archiseek fame?:eek:, strong words indeed! Are you going to respond to Hugh Elliotts invitation to enlighten him on An Taisce’s “vision” for the city?:D
City to capitalise on its rich heritage
VERY definite moves are afoot to restore, revitalise and include Limerick city’s distinctive Georgian houses and buildings in the new City Strategy Project.
With the spotlight currently trained on the various layers of commercial and residential development in the city, backstage, so to speak, a blueprint to regenerate Limerick’s Georgian core is being prepared.
In a recent presentation in City Hall, the Hunt Museum (formerly the Custom House), built in 1769, was held up as a likely catalyst for a Georgian revival in the Newtown Pery area and the highly successful Georgian restoration of Grainger, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, which attracted £40million of public funding that in turn attracted a further 160million of private investment and which is now being used as the European template, was presented as an example that Limerick could learn from.
The establishment of a Task Force and the sending of a deputation to explore the Grainger, Newcastle upon Tyne initiative is being considered.
City Hall, head of finance, John Field, has been advised by Donough Cahill, director of the Irish Georgian Society, that, in contrast to the continuing regeneration of the city’s riverside and other city centre streets, the continued neglect of Newtown Pery should be addressed.
“The Irish Georgian Society considers the City Centre Strategy a once in a lifetime opportunity to reverse this trend and to promote the regeneration of Newtown Pery and to achieve this aim the council should seek to use available legislative and fiscal resources and learn from both national and international examples of urban heritage regeneration†advises Mr Cahill.
Some months ago, a seminar, attended by the Irish Georgian Society, was held in City Hall, with various planners, architects and business people contributing.
Among the guest speakers were, Desmond Fitzgerald, the Knight of Glin and president of the Irish Georgian Society, and David Lee, chairman, Limerick Chapter of the Irish Georgian Society.
Acknowledged by the Irish Georgian Society as “one of Ireland’s outstanding historic cities,†the regeneration of Limerick’s Georgian area in Newtown Pery, will, according to the Irish Georgian Society, “require a big vision that aims to form the basis of applications to Government for major funding and other taxation incentives and for this vision to be a success, it will need wide support and commitment from both the city council and from all relevant stakeholdersâ€.
Newton Pery, which was devised by the Italian architect, Davis Ducart, was laid out in the 1760s as a new city quarter for Limerick and was subdivided and leased to developers who built up their plots during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Landmarks included The Crescent and Pery Square and such private buildings as the Custom House and the Pery Square Tontines. However, by the mid 19th century, Newtown Pery began a period of economic decline and physical deterioration which has left its elegant houses and streetscapes marred by over a century of inadequate upkeep, subdivided houses, PVC windows, rusted and buckling railings and dangling overhead wirescapes.
Pointing out that these factors restrict the competitiveness of businesses located in the area and take from its desirability as a place to live, Mr Cahill said that as a result, such an urban environment effectively deters investment.
An in-depth assessment of tax driven initiatives that could be availed of was produced by Goodbody Economic consultants for the Department of Finance.
City Hall has been advised by the Irish Georgian Society that it should place an additional emphasis on regenerating the Georgian area.
Concluded Mr Cahill:â€This could be achieved by identifying in the City Centre Strategy additional resources, both financial and technical to facilitate the conservation, restoration and reuse of protected structures.
“As Newtown Pery’s Georgian buildings and streetscapes comprise one of the city’s most defining assets, the use of this area as a catalyst for urban regeneration is compelling, and if the council were to prioritise in its City Centre Strategy a regeneration of Newtown Pery, it would have the power of shaping Limerick’s image as a dynamic place with the maturity to recognise its rich heritage and such a regeneration would act as an example for other towns and cities in Ireland, including Dublinâ€.
OPW seeks two-acre site for new garda HQ in city
Limerick Leader 11 December 2007
THE Office of Public Works is looking for a two-acre site in the city centre for the development of a new Garda headquarters for Limerick.
Fianna Fail’s Deputy Peter Power has confirmed that the OPW is seeking expressions of interest before January 18 for a site within a three-quarter mile radius of Henry Street Garda Station.The “unique policing problems affecting Limerick” meant that Henry Street was long since outdated and Deputy Power said he had been lobbying for a larger and more modern building for what was one of the busiest beats in the country.
Chairman of the joint policing committee, Cllr Kevin Kiely, has also complained that there is nowhere to fit all the extra gardai being sent to Limerick and that members of the force were “practically sitting on top of each other” at an overcrowded Henry Street.
The offices occupied by immigration gardai and the drugs squad are seen as particularly crammed.
“Central to this strategy is the rolling out of a new Divisional Garda Headquarters. The new headquarters will be state of the art with the best of facilities and technology needed in the modern day fight against crime. All in all, this announcement is excellent news for Limerick.,” Deputy Power concluded.
@Tuborg wrote:
OPW seeks two-acre site for new garda HQ in city
The Office of Public Works would want to hurry up with their search for a two acre site, they can’t be too many options left within a three-quarter mile radius of Henry Street Garda Station?
As for Cllr Kevin Kiely complaining of an overcrowded Henry Street, well the citizens of the city would preferr to the see the extra Gardai doing their beat on the streets rather than having them practically sitting on top of each other in the station!:rolleyes:
@Tuborg wrote:
Is this the same Dan Sullivan of Archiseek fame?:eek:, strong words indeed! Are you going to respond to Hugh Elliotts invitation to enlighten him on An Taisce’s “vision” for the city?:D
That would be me, the article has some text out of context but the gist of it is right.
I’ve nothing against well thought out proposals but the idea of a tram system when we don’t even have bus lanes was the final straw for me. And as for Hugh references to briefings, they’re closed occasions and appear designed primarily for developers not professionals. I’m an engineer and I’ve seen no notices about it via EI (IEI)
I hope to have some opportunity in the New Year to actually allow the people of the city participate more in the process.
Limerick ‘disadvantaged’ on NDP plans
© 2007 ireland.com
Limerick is critically disadvantaged in seeking to meet the expectations of the National Development Plan, a report has found.
The Revitalisation of Urban Limerick plan published today identifies potential revitalisation projects for the city.
Authors Dr Edwards Walsh and Peter Coyle found that Limerick is “at risk of acute degeneration” as a city, with a dissipating regional economic base and an exodus of residential and commercial activity from the city centre.
They recommend that an independent economic and administrative analysis should be carried out as a matter of urgency to determine the “optimal city boundaries” for Limerick city.
The report says the existing regeneration agencies should be joined by a third sister ‘city centre agency’ created specifically for the physical and economic development of the urban centre including King’s Island, the Docklands, the urban riverside and other key areas.
Dr Edward Walsh said: “The report arises from brainstorming sessions held during the course of 2007 involving a wide range of organisations and leading members from Limerick city and its region and from subsequent in-depth consultation it is clear that the Limerick urban area is not achieving its potential.”
“We propose initiatives to change this and make Limerick city the key economic and social driver of its region. Limerick has remarkable potential and the capacity to be a progressive, socially and economically balanced, European waterfront city. It has the potential to partner with Galway and the Atlantic Way communities to emerge as a major bipolar urban area: the national counterpole to Dublin.”
The report was commissioned by the Atlantic Way in association with bodies such as University of Limerick, Limerick City Council, the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, Shannon Development and the Limerick Co-Ordination Office.“optimal city boundaries”
Time that three local authorities administrating the city are put to an end. The negative consequences of our “doughnut developed†city, is now beyond farce.
The Revitalisation of Urban Limerick plan published today, anybody seen it yet?
@Dan Sullivan wrote:
That would be me, the article has some text out of context but the gist of it is right.
I’ve nothing against well thought out proposals but the idea of a tram system when we don’t even have bus lanes was the final straw for me. And as for Hugh references to briefings, they’re closed occasions and appear designed primarily for developers not professionals. I’m an engineer and I’ve seen no notices about it via EI (IEI)
I hope to have some opportunity in the New Year to actually allow the people of the city participate more in the process.
Without getting political or taking sides ….Why not use the existing rail network as a start and expand on it as a way forward ?
We must also realise that true progress is about the good of the city rather than those proposing it ….
@Dreamstate wrote:
Without getting political or taking sides ….Why not use the existing rail network as a start and expand on it as a way forward ?
We must also realise that true progress is about the good of the city rather than those proposing it ….
Putting stations (basic platforms would do ) along the existing line in from Ennis say near Moyross, down the end of the Mill rd (to serve there and the top of the isle link by a bridge) and at a redeveloped Parkway (with loads of residential development) would make loads of sense.
@Dan Sullivan wrote:
Putting stations (basic platforms would do ) along the existing line in from Ennis say near Moyross, down the end of the Mill rd (to serve there and the top of the isle link by a bridge) and at a redeveloped Parkway (with loads of residential development) would make loads of sense.
But unfortunately “sense” is something that Limerick City Council or Iarnrod Eireann don’t do.
Revitalisation of Urban Limerick
The report is available on http://www.atlanticway.com
@CologneMike wrote:
Public not yet privy to future iconic structures report
Massive glass globe proposed for Limerick
An artist’s impression of the proposed landmark globe
By Anne Sheridan
PROPERTY developer Pat O’Sullivan is one of five people whose dramatic proposal for an iconic development in the city has been shortlisted in a major new report, which was launched this Wednesday.
Other plans to build a discovery science centre in the city, and an Irish diaspora centre are currently under wraps, but Mr O’Sullivan has disclosed his €150m plan is to build a towering 14 storey high globe near the River Shannon.The aim, he said, is to “put Limerick on the map as the world’s leading centre for international language and cultural study.”
Mr O’Sullivan told the Limerick Leader that the rotating steel and glass globe will form an international centre for language study and will consist of interlinking villages, representing different parts of the world
All we need now are the other 8 planets in the solar system and we’re onto a winner!:)
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