bonzer1again

I’m still not quite sure about it, I would guess that looking at it from down the river, from Shannon Bridge, that it would look quite impressive,with the glass front, but most people won’t really be seeing it from there, it will be as they traverse sarsfield bridge. From either direction on Sarsfield bridge it doesn’t really impress as the sides of the building are very off putting. I have one question about it though, that I hope someone can answer, will the access ramp from poormans kilkee, be able to be raised, I’m sure it must, but I haven’t seen it said anywhere.
So it’s still 7 out of 10, and Colognemike great work with the photo’s, they really are a great way to get a feel for the building!!

Article in Limerick Independent………Nice to see that the Planning office seem to be on the ball……………..time will tell!!!

Boatclub developer to consider ‘changes’
Written by Rachael Finucane
Wednesday, 02 July 2008
The developer behind the proposed controversial building for the site of Limerick Boat Club said this week that he is “actively considering” a raft of suggested changes to the ultramodern design, including a reduction in the scale of the project.

Senior Executive Planner, Dick Tobin, told a city council meeting this week that his department has asked Fordmount Developments “for further information specifically with regard to obtaining a redesign and if possible, reducing the scale”.

“The scale is too large and there are also matters to do with protected structures that we were not aware of that are very relevant and must be looked at. We are asking them to examine these and many other elements of the plans,” he said, adding that there is a “very odd structure” underneath the proposed main building that must be explained and the level of the building may have to be raised “due to the danger of flooding”.

Developer, Michael Daly, said that “in general terms, we are very happy with and open to everything that the planners are suggesting” which are “without exception, very reasonable”.

“We’re going over what the planning department has set out in its request for more information. It has reservations about some items and we’re going to take that on board. We regard it as a very good letter and the planners have spent a lot of time on it,” he added.

“It’s obvious that the planners see the project as being of merit and we will certainly be going back to them with changes to the design,” he said.

City councillors have already voiced strong objections to the design of the proposed four level, 4,215 square foot structure on Wellesley Pier, deriding it as “appalling” and “a monstrosity”.

The new building design includes offices and a restaurant as well as civic space and a new home for Limerick Boat Club—which has been based at the site since 1870—and has emphasised that it can “secure its future with a new and improved rowing facility and the city will get an iconic building on the river”.

For the project to go ahead, elected members will have to vote to remove the current boat club base from the list of protected structures and re-zone the site for mixed use.

Dave123, I couldn’t agree with you more, the whole Dublin Rd is going to get swamped with traffic from these developments….I would also suggest that since the University is probably one of the largest contributors of traffic in this area, that time is now well overdue to open access to the University from the Clare side of the campus. This would help alleviate the traffic being forced out onto the Dublin Road. What makes it even more farcical is that the bridge and the road (laneway if I’m honest) is already there, and blocked by a gate!!!!!, but it wouldn’t take much to put something in to help handle the traffic levels that I would expect it to take.

When it comes to traffic lights being put in by the council, I can’t wait to see how they make a mess of it…and then 4/5 months later go back and sort it all out….It’s about time that the councils invested in a Traffic management system that would be manned so that in times of need, the light timing intervals could be changed. So basically what I am looking for is a traffic mangement centre for the city and it’s major suburbs. (Wishful thinking)…..what’s amazing about this is that the CCTV cameras are already in place in the city (Garda camera’s), maybe they could use those.

According to the Limerick Post, BMG have just submitted their planning application for a Private Hospital on the grounds of the regional…Has anyone seen the plans?

Planning submitted for co-located hospital

THE Mid-West Regional Hospital and Beacon Medical Group (BMG) have announced that a planning application has been submitted for a co-located hospital to be built on the grounds of Mid-West Regional Hospital in Limerick.

The new facility will represent an investment of almost 250m euro by BMG. When completed the new hospital is to employ over 456 staff, with additional indirect employment of approximately 702. The new hospital is planned for completion within 30 months from the start date.

Originally Posted by bonzer1again
Finally, The rumours come to an end with the announcement of plans for the Jesuit church. This Article appeared in the Limerick Chronicle. Enjoy the read!!

I made the post to clear up some of the rumours that had been circulating, such as the rumour that it was going to be made into a nightclub. That rumour having recently been given legs by the fact that the developers also bought the adjoining “Kennedy O’Brien’s” Pub.

I personally believe that it’s a shame that such a wonderful building will be reduced to the same classification as a sports complex. However having said that, at least it will still be a building in use by the public all be it on a limited and paid basis, as opposed to it becoming private offices.

With regards churches becoming libraries, is that not still the plan for the Franciscan’s church on Henry street, or have the talks with Mary Immaculate College come to a halt?

Article in the Limerick Leader about the new M+S at the Crescent shopping centre.

M&S to anchor new extension at the Crescent

LIMERICK’S first Marks and Spencer outlet will create a staggering 400 new jobs, it has been confirmed.
Last week the company announced plans to open a mammoth 110,000 square feet store as part of a proposed extension to the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle.

The store is due to open in the autumn of 2009, subject to planning permission.For the past 20 years speculation has been rife as to whether or not the UK retail giant, famous for its food hall, would come to Limerick.

A host of potential development sites in the city centre and elsewhere had previously been suggested, but the company have now agreed legal terms to anchor the planned new section of the Crescent.

Jenny Mulholland, Head of Property Planning for Ireland at Marks & Spencer, spoke of her delight at the prospect of finally opening a store in the city: “We’re thrilled to be opening our first store in Limerick. I have been searching for a suitable location for four years now, and we’ve seen countless presentations for various sites. But we’re delighted at the prospect of opening this store, which will be our biggest in the west of Ireland, at a location as successful as the Crescent.”

The flagship store will include a wide range of fashion across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, as well as home and furniture products. It will also boast a large food hall offering a comprehensive range of M&S food and wine, which will be complemented by a café and a deli bar.

“The store will open under Marks & Spencer’s signature style with contemporary interior design, bright lighting, easy to navigate walkways and spacious fitting rooms,” Ms Mulholland added. “We know that we already have many loyal customers in the Limerick area and we can’t wait to get started on their brand-new flagship store.”

– By Gerard Fitzgibbon

Thought this would be worth bringing to everyone’s attention, hopefully we’ll get to see the plans soon.

Arthurs Quay to Debenhams to be demolished
By ANNE SHERIDAN

DRAMATIC plans to demolish the Arthurs Quay complex and a number of buildings Sarsfield Street and O’Connell Street are expected to be discussed at Limerick City Council’s planning meeting later today.
Developer Michael Tiernan is also planning to knock Dunnes Stores, Penney’s, Burger King, Tim Martin’s pub, Permanent TSB, Sarsfield House and Debenhams, for the development of a major mixed retail development on the same site.

Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Mr Tiernan, said he made the submission in response to a City Council issues paper and is currently awaiting feedback from the planners.

“Until they publish the draft city-centre strategy I can’t comment on the finer details of the plans,” said Mr Tiernan. However, city councillors say the development will transform the city centre.

Existing businesses are expected to be accommodated in the new enterprise, a 2,000 unit underground car park will be provided, and Arthurs Quay park will be remodelled and incorporated into the development.

Cllr Joe Leddin said he became aware of Mr Tiernan’s plans during his term as Mayor of Limerick last year and intends to support his plans.

“There is a general consensus among all owners of the need to demolish those buildings, which are probably outdated and don’t serve any purpose, and have larger retail units. It will also work in harmony with the Opera Centre when it is built,” said Cllr Leddin.

He said he believes the development will receive a positive reaction from councillors later today, when it will be raised under the city centre’s strategic report.

Cllr Jim Long is also supportive of the development, as he believes will lead to a complete regeneration of the city centre. “I’ve seen the sketches and like what I see. I understand that the plans will include a riverside walkway and three social amenity areas,” said Cllr Long.

Cllr Kevin Kiely said he would welcome any development in that area, but as the development is at the early stage of planning, he did not wish to comment further.

It is understood that the planning application will be lodged with the City Council in early January.

Mr Tiernan, who was recently appointed by the Government to the Northside Regeneration Board, has been named Limerick’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year for 2007 and is a founder member of Limerick Enterprise Network.

22 October 2007