ShaneP
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Personally, I don’t find the whole shopping centre experience that interesting either, they’re either mobbed or dead, with no in between and shops tend to be at the bland end of the spectrum. It’s easy enough to criticise all things suburban as it is at the moment and the idea that Limerick and most other places in Ireland will have little to differentiate themselves from New Jersey or Arizona (the way things are going) is fairly depressing. Hopefully things can change soon.
It is good, in some respects to see larger international chainstores like H&M etc coming to the mid west, however If the experience of Dundrum S.C. is anything to go by we’re in for a big dissappointment. Most shops there, fail drastically in comparison to the major chains flagship stores in places like London and New York – kinda get the feeling they send all the left over rubbish stock to Ireland and sell it at inflated prices to celtic tiger cubs.
It would be best if a more proactive approach was taken by the city council and others in identifying potential sites for large retailers to locate in a scattered manner throughout the city centre, rather than being bunched together in large inaccessible forgettable warehouses. Such a strategy would mean that these big chains could get people into the city who would then be inclined to support smaller indigineous businesses nearby.
Here’s a link to the retail strategy for the mid west –
http://www.limerickcity.ie/services/planning/documents/Final_Regional_Strategy_February_03.pdf
Great bed time reading!! I think the over all gist is that the Limerick area can support another 80000 sq. m. of retail space by 2011. The main facts are on page c.29/30 and 79. Have fun!
Where did the red line on your map for the new centre in town come from Dave123? It’s a huge area and seems to indicate that the Watergate Flats will have to be done away with along with many other newish developments?
As for the living over the shop scheme – haven’t heard too much about it but here’s a copy of some promo material i got (along with the pedestrianisation stuff) from the LImerick Co-ordination Office) a while back – John’s Square was included too.
This? a harmlessly nice grande-semi-demi-treble-skimmed-double-iced-frappe-lattecino! – served fresh to you in a poisoned chalice!
I’ll stop now…….. .That’s a fairly interesting sounding product. I gather Starbucks have a strategy whereby they locate 2 coffee shops in close proximity to a successful existing establishment, Knowing the market can’t sustain 3 cafe’s, it’s simply a matter of waiting for the existing business to close down and they can then take over. Is it possible Dunnes Stores are employing similar thinking around the country. Spare a thought for all those proud Cork family businesses, next time you’re sipping a harmlessly nice grande-semi-demi-treble-skimmed-double-iced-frappe-lattecino!
“Relation to Arthurs quay park
I agree with you Shane, about the views and landmark site, but I’d prefer some sort of a look out building or theatre/ opera house to signify the importance of the river etc.What do you think of that idea?”
Is the idea of highlighting the importance of the river really be best served by destroying one of the city’s few large public spaces and hiding the river behind a large building where only a select group of users are able to enjoy it? I think it would be best to utilise the potential of the surrounding sites in raising the profile of both the park and the river, ex. refurbishment of Arthur’s Quay S.C and perhaps the development of a new Belltable Arts centre at Sarsfield S.C , which could have foyers overlooking both ammenities and be linked in it’s over all design to its surroundings by means of a semi enclosed public space from the park, thru’ the centre and up to the level of Sarsfied Bridge.
The name of the building in the picture attached is: Sarsfield House, I think it was built in the late 70’s and is the main office of the Revenue Commisioners. I know its not exactly stunning and I wouldn’t be shedding too many tears if it disappeared, but I do actually fing it somehow lilkeable, on account of its scale. It’s fairly imposing?
Be jaysus – great pictures – it’s fairly dramatic looking alright – are the shop signs on the website images aspirational rather than reality, cause i’m sure i spotted a sign for Niketown there somewhere. Niketown….. in Limerick….and not in Cork… or Dublin for that matter. Is Coonagh Cross the new Heaven or something like? And H&M in the Crescent – think Limerick’s your only man for all your tracksuit and trendy cardigan needs. (apparently that’s what’s cool for school this season)
Aaah yes! i mused, stroking my chin – the old garage canopy disguised as a ray of sun shine trick – Genius! Definately a product of the most desperate of desperate times. And what about the 4 mock georgian blocks on Gardiner St. that seem to, almost, somehow magically hover above their underground carparks – who knew those Georgians could have inspired such brilliance.
The Capel St building is a new 5/6 storey pile on the corner with Mary’s Abbey (I think that’s what is being talked about), just beside the luas line, it’s brown, which has some interesting connutations!
Has anyone mentioned the huge statoil garage on the South Quays, surrounded by a block of apartments – think it’s called Viking Harbour or something?
I think there’s been a lot of talk in recent years about relocating the Belltable which probably includes the film club, but seeing as no action has taken place on that issue, it follows that nothing has happened with the film club, which is a pity as I think Kino in Cork has gotten off the ground and the IFI in Dublin is a very successful facility, and a fairly impressive building too – lets hope the funding will still be available when they get their act together!
Why so down on Arthurs Quay Park? It’s a great spot, far from perfect mind but one of the more insightful projects of recent times.
The views from it are second to none and the tourist office is one of the most interesting designs to grace the city – its integration into the the design of the park and its distinct iconographic form, being very much of its time and place – are just two of its good points.
It’s preceived isolation stems from the fact that its surroundings are so hideous – Arthurs Quay is an abomination, a completely wasted opportunity, just like its cousin – Merchants Quay in Cork. It turns its back on the street which is a real shame, because the width of the footpaths facing the park could easily have accomodated outdoor cafe’s, restaurants, kiosks etc and livened the place up no end. The state of Sarsfield Shopping Centre and the arse end of Roches Stores hardly warrent mention and the idea that the railings around the park are the cause of its troubles doesn’t really stand up if you consider the fact that Stephens Green and Peoples Park are both surrounded by railings like almost every other park – anywhere.
The park is under utilised because there is no reason for any body to venture into that part of town on account of the buildings in the area. If that changes the park will begin to fulfill its potential ex. a new theatre on the site of Sarsfield S.C..
In the mean time I think it would be a great idea if the city council along with local restaurants and perhaps someone like the Belltable Film Club could organise outdoor films during the summer in the park. When I lived in new York was involved with an organisation which was trying to ensure the responsible development of a new riverside park in Brooklyn, they held a film series each summer at the venue and it was very succesful in raising the profile of the project – I think also that play(s) were staged in the People’s Park this year. Arthurs Quay could benefit greatly from similar ideas – it’s certainly a suitable venue.
As for the new shopping centre around Patrick St – definately agree with the idea that outdoor streets shoud be retained, its difficult to imagine how it could happen any other way with all the existing buildings which will have to be integrated into it’s design and if you compare the precedents in the city already – Arthurs Quay and Cruises St. (whatever about the style of tis design), it’s no contest surely. I think the office building mentioned as a potential entrance to the complex is the Cahill may Roberts building ( sorry – no picture) . It’s the lilac coloured, 2 storey thing beside the Granary?
What’s that yolk on Bedford Row? Aaaagh it’s a fairly offensive looking thing – does the neo gothic(k) part exist already ! Don’t recognise it.- anymore info?
The limestone building in the other photo looks like part of what used to the Shannon Arms hotel. It was later a pub called Feathery Burkes (bout 10 years ago – an illustrious drinking establishment if ever there was one!! ) and I think it’s now offices or apartments. It’s on the same side of Henry St. as the Redemptorists and not too far from there either.
Does the aerial view mean that that land is for sale? – it looks like it’s the playing fields of St. Clements, a fairly sizeable area anyway, is it zoned for residential development?Great to hear something being done with William St – It wasn’t included in the pedestrianisation plan, but O’Connell St/Ellen St. was – are these just tempoary measures till the whole project gets underway? – Anyway any work on William St. can only improve the place. Fair dues to the city council too, for all the hanging baskets they put around town, it brightens the place up no end.
The building on Sarsfield St is on the left hand side as you’re heading out of town over the bridge – think Esprit, Top Shop, Bay Trading Co. and a few others have shops there along with a number of blue painted apartments overhead wouldn’t mind living there myself – that’s what the picture in the Irish Times said yesterday anyway, so guess it’ll be a while yet before anything happens on Liddy St. I’ll juist boycott Roches Stores til they do something bout it – it’s an embarressment to the city.
http://www.nma.ie/articles/2002_01_IA.pdf
Don’t understand the low rating either – if there’s something wrong with it, low raters might suggest improvements. Nice photos by the way.
Here’s a link to Murray O’Laoire’s plans for Mary I, It does give the impression of a bit of a glorified secondary school as it is, although there’s a fairly colourful facade on one of the more recent additions (c. 1970’s I think ) sort of a mosaic of blue and red fibreglass panels.- Seems to be a lot of big plans for U.L. at the moment, but couldn’t get anything on the Kemmy Business School, The Glucksmann library in U.L. might be of some interest, I’d say Dominic Perrault might have been in fashion the year this was designed:
http://www.murrayolaoire.com/education/projects/maryi_masterplan/index.html
http://www.murrayolaoire.com/education/projects/ul_library/index.html
Think priority has been given to Cork and Galway routes in the current development plan, so Castletown section is probably on hold for a while. At the other end of that road, think a route has been finalised or is in the process for the Limerick/ Nenagh route. What is happening at the Parkway in Limerick – you posted a planning application on the Limerick thread earlier, but it was a bit technical for my fried brain?
Also, read somewhere recently that a new greyhound stadium is to be built somewhere on the Ennis Road, near the Two Mile Inn – I think. Definately a cause for gratuitous use of smiley faces. 🙂
So quite a few big smileys there, Dave123. It will be class alright -100% good craic extra free. There’s always a great atmosphere in the city when there’s a big match on, be it rugby or GAA. Haven’t been to the Gaelic Grounds since it was finished, but I gather it has a capacity of c.55,000, which surely makes it close to second in size after Croke Park.
As for media coverage, don’t see the point in lazy throwaway remarks which seem all to common in a lot of national newspapers – it reflects more on the character of the journalist than the city and I can’t imagine it does their sales figures any good as I certainly am not going to pay to be insulted, regardless of any good points these papers might have.
I think Limerick has to be the most liveable city in Ireland at present – despite the problems it shares in common with many other places. And with all the proposals such as the Shannon rail link, tunnell, new shops in the city centre along with pedestrianisation, convention centre and Thomond Park among others, it will only get better.
🙂So is anything happening in Derry then? Any photos/dwgs of the Millenium Forum? – couldn’t find any meself and don’t know much else apart from the history. Are people moving there or just to Letterkenny? Was there a couple of years ago too, at night – couldn’t figure out if I was actually in the city centre or not, so didn’t see too much of it, seemed pleasant enough and very friendly but a bit sleepy as mentioned earlier. Gotta have a few pictures for a decent thread!
IRFU is expected to pay E3m for 15 homes next to Thomond Park
By Mike Dwane and Deirdre McGrath
The IRFU want to buy 15 homes adjoining Thomond Park for over E3m
Ballynanty residents have been approached by the IRFU to sell their homes on Knockalisheen Road to facilitate the redevelopment of Thomond Park.
One resident told the LImerick Chronicle that no deal has been done yet. “There are 12 family homes and three council houses here. They have to try and buy it all on block. These are all big houses. However, where are we to go with E200,000. That wont buy you a garden yard in LImerick” said the resident.
The hallowed rugby ground is to be doubled in capacity to over 26,000 and could host more international games if all goes to plan.
Residents in Ballynanty say they were first approached by members of the IRFU about four weeks ago and negotiations are on-going.
Each resident has been offered E200,000 plus legal fees for their home. The developers say the fee is non-negotiable.
Residents believe rugby authorities want to knock the existing ballynanty end and re-align the pitch by turning it 90 degrees.
A new stand would be built where the 15 homes on Knockalisheen Road now stand. The row of houses, built around 50 years ago, is known locally as the, “Banana Block” after its curved shape.
All but three of the homes are owned privately after they were bought under the local authority tenent purchase scheme. Some residents have inherited them from their parents.
One man who spoke to the Limerick Chronicle said he would not budge unless he was offered the right price for his home.
Asked if it was true if a E200,00 offer plus E40,000 disturbance money had been offered, he said he couldn’t comment at this stage but that, “negotiations are on-going.”
At the time of going to press, the IRFU had not made themselves available for comment.
It does seem odd that a priavate company is waiting to finance this project for something like 5% the cost of a disjoined luas system and still little action from the powers that be!
Forgive me if I indulge in a little rant but perhaps the visionaries at the department of the environment and local government will remove the word planning from any communication with the outside world and replace it with reactionary. I think the pace of change in ireland at the moment is such that, many government reports etc (despite their best intentions or other wise) become outdated/ overlooked before they’re published. Would it not be a better idea that perhaps given the problems getting infrastructure built in this country that some respectable member of the community up west could rally the locals and build the railway themselves from Derry to Limerick. I’d hazard a guess and say that Knock airport didn’t go hundreds of millions over budget!
Here’s an article i came accross in a recent edition of the LIMERICK POSTal
In a surprise announcement from an unnamed minister at an unnamed department it is expected that the 50000 new houses envisaged for the mid west over the next 15 years are to be built in a great big ribbon from Limerick to Galway either side of a new super dooper fandidlytastic highway (dual carriageway in non-local politician parlance) complete with a great new suburban style neighbourhood centre somewhere between Ennis and Gort.
This idea, it was stated, will satisfy everyones perceived need for a big back yard and parking for at least 3 suv’s while at the same time creating a great new mega Atlantic metroplis which could market itself as having the biggest widest bestest main St ( 64m) – eh sorry trendy European /continental style boulevard in the world – ever!!!
The move was broadly welcomed by those people usually prone to welcoming things with other big and important delirious ministers stating that massive gynormous tax breaks would be made available to those wishing to build holiday homes instead of anything really useful/annoying like those houses that need proper infrastructure and other things that smack of effort. Such a move would justify the recent sidelining of Shannon Development’s plans to bring 20000 new jobs and 4 billion in investment to the region, and sure aren’t those feckers in Limerick full of ideas well above their station anyway – the feckers, it was further stated.
Adding further insight to the government’s plans, one defensive official said that he hoped the dublin meedya wouldn’t get hold of the news ’cause they’d only try and use it to link it to violence and make smart comments at Limerick’s expence, he also elaborated by saying that he supported government policy in the region and that anyone who didn’t could feck off up to Dublin/Portlaoise and sure what was the point of having all that overpriced sprawl up there if no one was going to live in it.
Public reaction to the news has so far been apathetic and largely mute as everyone is still stuck in traffic at the bleedin Parkway roundabout. However one shady looking character, spotted near Sarsfield shopping centre offered the following, ” come here i want ya sham” adding “goway outta dat or I’ll stab ya, ya posh la”
