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The Central Core
The Central Core area is the heart of the city. Its main function is to provide living, working and leisure facilities,
primarily retailing, for the wider area. Public realm works have commenced in the area aiding pedestrian flow to and through the major retail blocks contained within the city grid. To market the Central Core as the primary shopping location for the region retail investment must continue in parallel with the extensive works currently being carried out in the public realm.The creation of The Opera Shopping Centre, on Patrick Street and the Arthur’s Quay Redevelopment Project will bring even more retail investment to the city. This retail hub within the Central Core will provide a high quality shopping experience for its visitors. Following publication of the City Centre Strategy Issues Paper, a comprehensive submission was received from landowner’s adjoining Arthur’s Quay Park. The submission identified a potential development area incorporating the existing Arthur’s Quay shopping centre, the Roche’s Store block at Sarsfield Bridge, the Arthur’s Quay Park and Sarsfield House.
Aurthurs Quay Re-development
The main intention of the indicative design is to achieve comprehensive redevelopment in a way that complements and enhances the distinctive urban fabric and riverside setting of the area. All existing buildings would be demolished, including Sarsfield House, and replaced by a robust framework of multi-purpose blocks arranged around a number of axis lines, visually linking the new development to King’s Island (with the tower of St. Mary’s Cathedral as a key focal point) and to the River Shannon (with views across to the existing amenity bund on Clancy Strand). A new public square close to the junction of Patrick Street and Sarsfield/William Street forms the major focus to the development, as well as the new heart of the Central Core area, from which radiate the two principal axis lines.
The proposed block pattern reflects the grain of adjoining streets (Denmark Street, Ellen Street and Henry Street), and includes buildings of different heights according to location and possible uses. Two tall signature buildings are positioned at each end of the development, reinforcing the entry to the city core from Rutland Street and Sarsfield Bridge. From Patrick Street, the building blocks increase in height incrementally towards the river.
Ground floor uses would be predominantly retail, together with cafes, restaurants and bars, to ensure vibrancy
throughout the area. Although specific end-users are not prescriptive at this stage, it is envisaged that at least
two major retailers could be accommodated within the block structure. Provision for smaller retailers would also
be essential, particularly along the principal axis extending to St. Mary’s Cathedral (which could be developed as a glazed covered pedestrian street), along Patrick Street and around the waterfront. Smaller retail units could also be considered at first floor level where these can be conveniently linked to the main pedestrian circulation pattern. In the vicinity of the waterfront, the upper floors would be predominantly residential, providing high
quality apartments, for a variety of different users (including families) with spectacular views of the River Shannon and King’s Island. The remaining inner blocks could include a mix of office and residential uses on the upper floors.In the layout vehicle access would be limited to the new orbital route, curving through the development at grade
between Henry Street and Rutland Street, and including a bus/taxi lane, access to underground parking areas and with the provision of at least two major controlled pedestrian crossings. The remainder of the public realm would be pedestrian and 24-hour accessible.In addition to the new public square close to the Sarsfield/William Street junction, a substantial promenade would extend around the waterfront, linking Sarsfield Bridge to a second pedestrian plaza located at the end of the principal axis. The new high quality waterfront spaces would be over looked by active retail and cafe/restaurant frontages at ground level, and by residential uses above.The open space pattern would extend to the rear of the Hunt Museum and across to the Potato Market by way of
an elegant contemporary pedestrian bridge. A major civic space would be created outside the Court House,
further defined by a possible new civic building (library, museum, performance space, or similar) occupying the
eastern end of the existing Potato Market, and including a panoramic viewing area at the confluence of the
Shannon and Abbey rivers.After a one year consultation period, Limerick City Council have published the final draft of their City Centre Strategy. This documents aim is “to provide the strategy and framework to underpin the growth and redevelopment of the City Centre to help Limerick reach its potential as the capital of the Mid West.”
Under the plan, the city is divided into 6 zones with the aim of identifying the specific challenges facing each zone and identifying how these areas could be improved. It includes the city centre pedestrianisation and streetscape renewal scheme along with the riverside improvement projects. It also contains provisions for the redevelopment of a number of key sites in the city centre such as the Aurthurs Quay/Patrick Street area.
Bus Station appeal is on schedule
An Bord Pleanala have confirmed to the Limerick Chronicle that they do not anticipate any delay in deciding whether to grant planning for the proposed €1 miliion redevelopment of Colbert station.
Last week the planning authority said the decision to build over 200 apartments on the South Circular Road would be delayed until April 29th due to “the sheer number of cases” before the authority. However a spokesperson told this newwspaper that the case regarding the bus and train station “is still up for decision” and said they did not forsee any delay. The authority is due to announce this Wednesday, April 2nd, whether Bus Eireann’s plans will get the green light.
Originally Limerick City Council refused Bus Eireann permission to construct a modern building which would connect with the 19th century station. Bus Eireann then appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanala and said in their submission that the proposed new station is neccessary for passenger safety and improved efficiency.
However the local planning office said the application failed to supply further information in relation to the orbital route which it is proposed will cross the front of the site. As Bus Eireann had allegedly failed to demonstrate that the proposed development would not adversely impact on the orbital route, the council deemed that the development could “endanger public safety.”
However, in the appeal to An Bord Pleanala, Pascall & Watson architects said this refusal was “wholly unreasonable.” The planning authority also said some of the works outlined in the planning application “would detract from the setting of the protected structure”, which was again rejected by the applicants. They stated that contrasting historic buildings with contemporary design is widely acceptable.
Under the plans, the bus station would move from the right to the left hand side of the current station and the existing bus station would be converted into a car park. A new two storey bus station, plans to remove redundant rail tracks, while a new public car park to the north and west of the site are also indicated.
A landscaped garden is planned for the front of the station, where a car park is currently situated. An internal walkway would also connect the rail and bus station, providing greater ease of mobility for customers. If the development is given the go-ahead, it is believed it would take two years to complete the regeneration of the station.
Demolition of existing single storey ancillary structures, removal of redundant rail tracks and public car parking to the north of the site, removal of public parking to the west of the site, removal of bus stands, parking and staff parking to the south of the site and the provision of a new 2 storey Bus Station comprising ticket offices, waiting areas, staff accommodation and public toilets, a direct step free link to the rail station concourse, covered access to 16 no. bus stands, staff parking and new bus entrance at Roxboro Road all to the north site a reconfigured and landscaped forecourt with revised vehicular access/egress, 4 no. bus stops/shelters to the west of the site and 329 no public car parking spaces to the south of the site together with ancillary site works. This is a protected structure.
Colbert Station, Parnell Street, Limerick.
Strangely the above article mentions April 2nd as the due date for a decision, while the ABP website says May 28th!:confused:
At least we now have some idea of the reasons behind the refusal, the City Council have concerns about the impact on the orbital route which is supposed to take in Parnell Street, although is it not Bus Eireanns intention to reduce pressure on the Parnell Street side of the station by using the Roxboro road as a new entrance to the site with the Parnell Street gate to be used primarily for departing services?
There still seems to be little if any movement on the orbital route itself, the City Council talked about an 18 month implementation period at its launch last year. With more remodelling works to get underway on William Street during the Summer/Autumn, we could badly do with it!
Im also curious about these “redundant rail tracks!”,are they part of the old freight line? I would hate to think Iarnrod Eireann are being short sighted in removing capacity at the station that might be required again in the future!
Below; Colbert Station Limerick
Alocin Limited have lodged another application for modifications to their plans for the Parkway valley complex on the Dublin road, the stand out feature is an increase in the size of the ice rink to accomodate an olympic size facility!:eek:
Description: amendments/modifications to development permitted under ref. no. 04/3700 and amended by ref. no. 06/3211, ref. 06/4103 and ref. 07/1024 for the construction of mixed use retail/commercial and leisure development incorporating public park on the site. The proposed development involves revisions to the previously permitted development arising mainly from (a) enlargements/revisions to the ice rink to accommodate Olympic size facility (b) incorporation of additional leisure elements and food hall adjacent to ice rink facility in place of health, lifestyle and well-being centre (c) reconfiguration of layout on all levels to address specific retail tenant requirements and (d) revisions to ancillary/circulation areas and stair/lift cores, plant areas associated with the above as well as incorporation of fire escape requirements (e) increase in car parking provision from 1788 spaces to 2169 spaces. The changes involve an increase in the overall gross floor area of the development from 73,142sq.m. to 83,068sq.m. generally within the same building envelope. Design changes are also proposed to all elevations of the building from the previously permitted scheme as well as revisions to finishes and materials accociated with the above changes to the scheme and general design development. Changes are also proposed to external landscaping and pedestrian circulation areas.
Ice rink, public park, bowling lanes and shops galore…
by John O’ShaughnessyTHE Parkway Valley Retail Park, currently under construction, is turning into something really exciting.
This promises to be more than just another shopping centre, if revised plans submitted to Limerick County Council are given the green light, and first reported in our issue of last week.
The overall gross floor area is to be a massive 83,068 sq m., and is to include the country’s first Olympic size ice rink, 10-12 bowling lanes, multi-media entertainment areas and public park.
Developers, Alocin Limited, have sought amendments/modifications to the development already permitted, for the construction of mixed use retail/commercial and leisure, incorporating public park on the 6.89 Ha site, at Singland, bounded by N7 to the north, Parkway Retail Park and Castletroy View to the west, Carn na Ree to the south and undeveloped lands stretching to the Groody River to the east.
There is to be provision for 2,169 car spaces, from the original 1,788.
The changes involve an increase in the overall gross floor area of the development from 73,142 sq m to 83,068 sq m generally within the same building envelope.
Also proposed are a creche, library, financial services, a number of anchor tenants, dozens of retail units, health lifestyle and well-being centre, food court area, roof deck car park, etc.
As already revealed in the Limerick Post, there is a major extension planned for the Parkway Shopping Centre, with further units across the road on the site of the former Dillons Garage.
Indeed the plans for this multi purpose sports arena have been known for some time, Limerick County Council granted permission back in March last year.
064103
omission of 10 screen cine-plex and provision of new multi-functional sports and performance auditorium(to accommodate ice rink, sports/basketball court, theatre) and assoiated concessions and health, lifestyle and well-being centre incorporating physical therapy, lifestyle therapy, holistic/alternative therapy, gym/yoga, reception/admin, tearooms, beauty therapy suites, treatment rooms and sports injury clinic; cafe/juice bar, new management suite/control room to replace previously permitted library reference room and ancillary area. Revised proposals for creation of new public park incorporating landscaping, planting, water features, skate/bmx park, play areas, kick-a-bout football pitch.
Singland
Dublin Road, LimerickLindats plans for the Parkway shopping centre site were lodged with the City Council on March 26th, although thanks to their world class planning enquiry system, the only information we’re given is See attached schedule!:rolleyes:
Limerick County Council have asked Stapleyside Company Ltd & Derenburg for further information regarding both their applications (0846, 0847) for the crescent shopping centre. This comes as little surprise really considering the pressure Limerick City Council have being exerting on this issue.
I have no doubt that planning will eventually be granted, however it will then be interesting to see if the City Council take the matter further, potentially risking a further deterioration in relations with their friends in the county.
The Post is reporting that under the new plans, the Parkway roundabout will be removed and replaced with a signalised junction, surely it couldnt regulate traffic any worse than the current free-for-all? They also carry a bit more detail in relation to the plans, although it remains to be seen just how accurate this information is. The report claims that much of the existing centre will be retained with the park bar and burger king being demolished.
vkid definitely has a point about the current road layout. Both the Childers road and the Dublin road heading into town, simply dont have the capacity to deal with the volumes of traffic using them and the poor layout of the junction for the childers road retail park has made matters even worse. There is resonable scope to widen the childers road from the parkway all the way to roxboro providing they’re prepared to replace the railway overbridge at the Kilmallock roundabout. Although why a small city of 100,000 people is so car dependant and choked with traffic is a matter for another day!
New-look for Parkway SC
WITH the threat of serious competition from the under-construction Parkway Valley SC, and a major expansion planned at the Crescent, the 24-year-old Parkway Shopping Centre is poised for a multi-million euro development programme to allow it meet all challengers head-on.Plans include an 89 bedroomed hotel and 45 apartments, as well as multistorey car park and a stairwell and access lifts, from both Childers and Dublin roads.
As reported exclusively in the Limerick Post last week, an extension to the nearby Parkway Retail Park is to have 50 shop units, and a host of other services.
Good news for motorists is that The Parkway Shopping Centre plan also provides for the upgrade, redevelopment and replacement of the dreaded Parkway roundabout junction with a signalised traffic junction.
A planning application to be lodged by Lindat Limited to Limerick City Council, includes the provision of a new extension to provide for additional retail floor space and ancillary service areas, as well as the demolition and relocation of existing drive-through fast food restaurant.
It is also proposed to demolish the existing public house, fronting the Dublin Road, and portion of existing retail and commercial floor space on the northern elevation.
The proposed hotel will have bar, restaurant, conference/meeting facility and roof garden. Provision is made for the construction of new basement level and multi storey car park with access provided directly from Childers Road, a dedicated service access road from Childers Road, the provision of a dedicated egress from the proposed basement level car parking onto the Dublin Road, as well as a dedicated bus lay-by/set down area on the eastern Childers Road boundary.
Interestingly, it is proposed to build a new pedestrian stairwell and access lifts directly into the shopping centre from both Childers road and Dublin roads.
In addition to the hotel and apartments, the planning submission allows for an integrated office space comprising 1,861 M2 .
Meanwhile, across the road and on the site of the former Dillons garage, another developer proposes to build a new retail or office development, on a c1.47 acre site.
This has been on the cards for a good while now although I didnt think an application was this imminent! The Parkway will be no loss in truth, dunnes stores has been the only thing keeping it going these last couple of years, the land its sitting on is worth far more than the business currently being carried out there.
It does seem like madness to be planning another “luxury” hotel with the new park point hotel and the Castletroy park literally a couple of hundred metres down the road. Although theres nothing to stop them scrapping the hotel plans in favour of more apartments later on in the process. Its interesting that the developers are proposing to keep a retail element on this site, especially with the proliferation of retail parks etc already in the area and of course the new pakway valley complex now well underway just across the road.
All the hype surrounding these new developments cant mask the real issue here though! Just how is all the extra traffic going to be accomodated? The area is already a disaster now, whats it going to be like when all these new shopping complexes and apartments are up and running? Unfortunately as per usual these issues will only become a concern to the City planners when its too late, will we ever learn?:(
According to the project PDF and the map below, there are plans for a canal basin with berthing facilities between park bridge and the railway overbridge. The canal does appear to be a good deal wider between park bridge and its entrance to the Shannon so presumably it would be possible to make this section navigable. However there are a number of constraints on the remaining section so its highly unlikely that it will ever be fully navigable as far as the Abbey river.
A large site on the south side of the canal, bisected by the new Corbally link road is likely to come up for redevelopment shortly. Pre-planning discussions have apparently taken place and the plans are for a high density mixed use development. The development of a residential element along the canal could only improve the viability of the project and would hopefully lead to increased use of the amenity.
What is the current status of the Richmond rfc grounds? I know they had some problems over the last couple of years, are they still using the pitch along the canal bank?
The Clancy Strand saga rumbles on!
“Nature†blamed for building collapse
A developer has described any suggestion by those opposed to his plans for Clancy Strand that he would structurally weaken a building which he owns on the road pending approval from An Bord Pleanala as “outrageousâ€.
This week the top right hand corner of a three storey building on Clancy Strand, known as Curragour House, caved in and Limerick City Council has ordered the demolition of the building, which one local architect sought to be put on the list of protected structures.
Developer Gerard Wall owns the three historic buildings on Clancy Strand – Jacksons Turret, Strandville and Curragour House – which he sought to demolish for the construction of a €10 million residential development on the site. Jacksons turret has now been protected as a listed building, and An Bord Pleanala is due to come to a decision on the development in May.
But Mr Wall denied he had contributed to the collapse, saying the building had long been in a state of decay. “This has nothing to do with me. This is nature. It’s irrelevant whether the building is demolished now or later. Its irrelevant to the application.†he said.
Mr Wall added that the building was subject to an engineering investigation by White Young Green who said they considered the house structurally unsound. The report states that the property was only inspected partially inside due to structural disintegration. It states that the central timber staircase has collapsed.
Mr Wall said the roof to the rear of the property had also collapsed. The fact that it had begun to collapse was “no surprise†he said.
Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Dick Tobin, senior planner with the city council, said he assumed the building had collapsed and now constituted a danger to public safety, as the house bordered a busy road. “If that wall is bad, then it could easily collapse, and there is work taking place across the way†said Mr Tobin by means of explanation for the collapse. “It should be declared dangerous. In fact we will be demanding that the fire brigade knocks it down.â€
Flan Brennan, Limerick City fire brigade said, it will investigate the buildings structures before any demolition occurred.
As part of the objections to Mr. Wall’s development of 41 apartments on Clancy Strand, An Bod Pleanala was told that this building should have been placed on the list of protected structures, along with Jackson’s Turret.
An Bord Pleanala is due to reach a decision on the development on May 21st and the fire brigade has yet to confirm if and when the demolition will be carried out.
Limerick Leader 8/3/08
The headline is just a tad sensationalist, what has happened is a portion of the top floor of the house at the corner of the gable and front elevation has given way just below the roof line. If you believe the article, the building cant come down soon enough as far as Limerick City Council are concerned! Although this should come as little surprise given how supportive they are of the flawed development proposed for the site.
Its seems theres an interesting precedent to the current application. In 2004, another developer received permission to build an apartment block on the site of Curragour House. The decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by none other than Ger Wall, (who is now proposing a similar development at the same location) on the grounds that;
- The Appellants’ dwelling including living room windows which face over the site.
- Excessive scale of development proposed, with a 4-storey building and a plot ratio of 1.9; serious over-development of the site is proposed.
- There is inadequate amenity open space within the development; open space primarily comprises the car parking areas.
- The proposed development results in serious injury to the amenity of the appellants’ property, by means of overlooking, proximity of car parking, noise.
- Development constraints on the site, including requisite separation distance from appellants’ property means that the proposal cannot be accommodated.
Strangely, these issues no longer seem to bother Mr. Wall!.:confused: The report of the ABP inspector totally rubbished Limerick City Councils original decision;
The proposed apartment building, by reason of its design, scale, height,density and visual and physical setting in close proximity to existing dwellings, and which is deficient in terms of the provision of communal open
space, would result in an excessive form of development on the site, would seriously injure the character and amenities of existing residential development in its vicinity by reason of noise, disturbance and loss of privacy, and would provide a substandard form of residential amenity for the future occupants thereof. The proposed development would set an undesirable precedent for similar development of infill sites in this vicinity, would seriously injure the amenities of the area. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper
planning and sustainable development of the area.No Building Condition survey has been submitted, nor requested by the Planning Authority. I do not share the conclusion of the Planning Authority that demolition of the dwelling is acceptable in view of the fact that it is not a Protected Structure; it is unfortunate that no Report of the Conservation Officer of the Planning Authority was sought nor received.
The external form of the building is neither derelict nor even semi-derelict, the external walls and roof appear to be in relatively good condition. Rather, its brick finish contributes to its prominence on the riverfront.
Its ridiculous to think that the planning office find the construction of a plastic box preferable to the restoration of an historic, attractive georgian townhouse in what is a very sensitive location.
Images of Curragour house are pretty hard to come by, this is the best I could find (from photobucket) Curragour House is the 3 storey building on the extreme left below.
Spruced up canal walk will add to city’s appeal (Limerick Leader)
Limericks development as the riverside city continued this week with the opening of the first phase of the park canal restoration project.
The €1.6 million joint investment between Limerick City Council and Shannon Development has been welcomed as the first step towards making the canal a hub of local tourism once more. “Its a great honour for me personally as the canal was an important part of my childhood” said Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon, Deputy Mayor of Limerick, who led the official opening on Thursday.
“With the opening of the park canal we now have a new green lung for the city which we hope the people of Limerick will embrace. We hope that they, and the 4,000 people who work at the National Technology Park and the University of Limerick will enjoy this wonder ful new amenity in the heart of the city.”
Work under phase one involved dredging the canal and restoring the lock gates at park bridge. Special platform have been installled on the northern bank, which it is hoped will encourage fishing enthusiasts to return to the area. Street furniture and lighting have also been added in an attempt to hand the canal back to the public realm. The route is already popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists, fishermen and canoeists.
John King heritage and tourism director with Shannon Development said “we’re delighted to have been part of this project to restore this special area to its former glory. The canal will be another asset in our attempt to brand Limerick as a riverside city. By creating a link between the medieval city and the university, the canal restoration will act as a catalyst for residential, commercial and tourist developments. But most importantly, we hope this project will breathe new life into the park canal for future generations.”
A total of €1.2 million of the investment was grant aided by the EU, with the City Council and Shannon Development contributing a further €400,000. Limerick companies Nicholas De Jong Associates and White Young Green were involved as project consultants. The restoration of the park canal builds on the dedicated work of Limerick Civic Trust, which has been actively involved with the Canal Restoration Association since the early 1990s.
Phase 2 of the project will involve resurfacing the existing pedestrian paths along the length of the southern bank of the canal, as well as adding an improved cycling path.
Photos of the Canal and walkway from the city centre to Plassey can be found here
No doubt the City council are pleased to have gained some territory on the northside, it should have happened a long time ago really, considering how ridiculously isolated that small area was from the rest of county Limerick. However the real battle is over the southside suburbs (Dooradoyle, Raheen, Castletroy etc), real money spinners for the County Council. Again I feel its a no brainer as to whom these should belong to but logic seems to be sadly lacking in this situation.
Take a look back over the last page or so of this thread to read about some of the recent shenanigans over the border dispute!:o
@PaulC wrote:
The increase in population must be more than 7,000, if all of those places have been added to the city area??? I would have thought Caherdavin alone would have that many.
I was fairly surprised myself that the figure was so low but the reality is that the vast majority of Caherdavin was already within the city boundary in the first place. The city used to end just before Ivans cross on the Ennis road so the city council are only inheriting a remaining few estates. Aside from the parts of moyross, the area that the boundary extension covers is predominantly rural and undeveloped, Coonagh for example isnt much more than a hamlet, although there are currently a number of large residential developments in the pipeline.
We are likely to see major changes now that the extension has taken place, it will be interesting to see what stance the city council takes on planning and development in these areas!
The Minister for the Environment John Gormley today signed the Ministerial order at a ceremony at Watchhouse Cross library to officially extend the Limerick city boundary. The alteration means the city has gained an extra 7,000 residents and the urban area has increased in size by over 2,000 acres.
Clonmacken, Caherdavin, Knock, Shanabooley, Ballygrennan, Clonconane,Clondrinagh, Coonagh East, Coonagh West…Welcome to Limerick City!
Dear Resident,
I am very glad to welcome you as new citizens to the City of Limerick. The enlargement of the City, to incorporate those suburbs immediately beside it, is critical to the economic growth and well being of Limerick. It is difficult to believe that this partial extension is the first change to the boundary in 58 years.
Your City Council has the growth and development of the City as its sole focus. As you join us, I want to assure you that I and my fellow councillors, together with the staff of the Council, will work hard to improve your local services, as befits the citizens of the third City of the country.
The effect of the boundary change means that the areas of Clonmacken, Caherdavin, Knock, Shanabooley, Clonconane, Clondrinagh, Coonagh East, Coonagh West and Ballygrennan, which includes the Moyross estates of Pineview Gardens, Delmege and Craeval Parks are now legally part of the city.
As part of this boundary change, you will have a vote in electing the new City Council in June 2009. Until then, I and my fellow councillors are available to help in any way we can. We want your input and thoughts on the exciting developments planned for the city.
I wish to acknowledge the role played by Limerick County Council in this matter, and also the report of Mr. John Fitzgerald. I commend Mr. John Gormley T.D. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for his leadership in granting this historic decision.
Yours, most sincerely,
Ger Fahy
Mayor of Limerick
March 1st, 2008.Below is the current state of play on Thomas Street where a new 5 storey retail, office and apartment building is currently under construction at the junction with Catherine Street. The whole area is a bit of a nightmare at the moment with the streetscape works also underway, things could get even worse if An bord Pleanala give the go ahead for a redevelopment of O Riadas bar just across the street!:eek: A decision is due in the next few weeks!
Thomas Street Limerick Blogger
Attachment shows how the building should look when completed.
Former County Council offices O Connell Street
The former county headquarters, consisting of 6 terraced georgian townhouses are currently undergoing a complete refurbishment. The plans are for more office space with the basement being converted for use as a restaurant. Im not quite sure what to make of the glass box on the roof though, the second such structure plonked on top of a georgian building in this area in the last year or so!
06391
Permission for the alteration to protected structures No. 83 and 84 O’Connell St. Limerick. Limerick City Council Ref: = RPS256 (No’s. 78-83 O’Connell Street) and RPS257 (No. 84). The alterations proposed are the sub-division of the buildings into office and ancillary accommodation, addition of passenger lifts to each building, opening up of new door opes in existing walls, reinstatement of existing door opes, removal of selected partitions erected in the twentieth century, new sliding timber sash windows to rear of building, the removal of selected existing service and cable runs through the building and the addition of new service runs, fixtures and fittings. Permission is also sought for the change of use of the Basement Level of No.’s 81 to 84 O’Connell Street from offices to restaurant usage with alterations to the existing layout. Permission is also sought for the change of use of the front room on the ground floor at No. 84 for use a coffee shop and also for access to the basement restaurant proposed
Photo from The Limerick Blogger
Former Central Cinema Bedford Row
Work is continuing at an impressive rate on the site of the former cinema on Bedford Row, the new facade is virtually complete with the cladding and glazing now in place. The facade of the old methodist chapel dating from the 1840s has been retained behind the new frontage, although its difficult to tell from the picture just how visible it will be. The new building will house retail space on the ground floor with offices overhead.
Image from tippryan at the Limerick Blogger
@PoxyShamrock wrote:
Tuborg if you actually look closely at the picture on that window you’ll see it says Tralee on the roof of the station. Kinda stupid advertising it in Limerick!
I didnt realise that! Although Bus Eireann do employ the same London based architects to design most if not all of their projects, they are also responsible for the Colbert station development so the plans should be broadly similar!
Below is an image from the Limerick Leader, not much good but seems to be all thats available!
dave 123 I think you’re being strangely seduced by a British chain store! Many of the points you make are completely wrong!
@dave123 wrote:
Roads are been upgraded in the plan, Extra parking will be provided.The Crencent will become a national shopping centre. Something to be proud of. Its great to see it go ahead, It has gone through major revamps since over the last few decades..
Its a SHOPPING CENTRE not one of the wonders of the world, dont get too excited!:p
The Crescent is well a established S.C in Limericks biggest suburb. It attracts shoppers from outside the Limerick region. Its also serves the citys largest suburb Dooradoyle. It has never really affected the city centre retailers, it has been here for too many years now. I think many people from outside Limerick who shop in the Crescent will also shop in the city centre also, if they have come a long distance. Its up to the limerick city council to make the city centre more attractive to retailers.
Yes it is up to the city council to make the city centre a more attractive place for retail and they are belatedly doing this, I think anyone can see that the pedestrianisation and re-modelling projects have vastly improved the city centre with many new retailers being attracted, theres also been a huge amount of redevelopment along with the refurbishment of many buildings especially on Thomas Street. Unfortunately the City Councils attempts to improve the city centre are being constantly undermined by ill thought out planning decisions by Limerick County Council. Its yet another reason why we need a co-ordinated approach to planning in Limerick and that means 1 local authority running the city not 2 competing for business and squabbling like children in the school playground
The City council have some nerve to say this, when the city council are responsible for the worst traffic blackspot in the city Parkway RO. They allowed the building of many retail parks with no new infastructure in place at all. They allowed massive retail developments off the childers road to go ahead with minimul road upgrades. Childers road is now choked. The city council have a terrible record on fixing traffic problems, in fact they made traffic flows alot worse. So trhey better leave that topic.
When was the last time you were down here? What about the Dooradoyle link road? do you think that works well? What about the debacle that was the St Nessans road improvement scheme and the bus lane that goes nowhere! Or what about the Ballysimon interchange that they are skillfully trying to sort out with traffic lights! Or even the 1km stretch from the Parkway to the Groody roundabout that is now plagued by traffic lights and countless junctions as a result of poor planning by you guessed it Limerick County Council, I cant wait until the Parkway valley sc is completed, it should be all fun and games then!:mad:
on a sIde note for the city council At least the county council are radically improving the surrounding roads and upgrading the Dooradoyle road junction etc.
Incorrect, it is a private developer who is proposing a revamp of that junction, nothing to do with the County Council!
The sourthern ring road flys by the Crescent, and ir’s very possible that private investers could build a few slips onto the New ring road in the future. Just a thought, as another alternative for traffic using the side roads to and from theshopping centre
Putting another junction on the Southern ring road defeats the whole purpose of the road, which is to provide traffic on a national primary route with an efficient way around Limerick city and on to other destinations. Putting in extra juctions decreases the efficiency of the road and also makes it more attractive for short trips which have a negative impact on traffic flow.
The Crescent will soon be in the limerick city council agglomeration in a few months, when the current boundary proposal goes ahead BTW I’m sure they it wouldn’t be appealing for the enlargment then.
Im not sure where you got that from, theres absolutely no suggestion that Dooradoyle will be transferred into the control of the City Council. A limited boundary extension involving Coonagh and parts of Caherdavin on the northside is due to go ahead next month!
It’s amazng that the Mahon shopping centre and the Wilton S.C went ahead in Cork, with little problems you know.]
Have you ever been to Mahon point Dave? Anyone from Cork will tell you that the mahon interchange is totally unsuitable for the volume of traffic it carries and experiences regular problems, again due to short sighted planning!
@CologneMike wrote:
Tuborg, it’s about time that the city council (elected councillors and civil servants) put the interests of the city centre first against an extension of the Crescent Shopping Centre at this time for the common good of the entire city.
The mind-set of county councillors Butler and Wade is a laughable farce! These elected “clowns” have lived comfortably in / off the city and blatantly ignore their real mandate which is the running of the county proper! The sooner they relocate the county hall from the city to say Newcastlewest, the quicker they will refocus their attention on just running the county only. By the way a neglected west Limerick electorate will be off-loaded to north Kerry for the next general election.
In my opinion, the city boundary should be extended as far out to prevent any repeat of what happened in the last fifty years of city planning! The rezoning of farmland for future city development must rest entirely with the city planning department! Councillors Butler and Wade must decide where they want to serve i.e. city or county.
I couldnt agree more, the city boundary should indeed encompass the whole Limerick urban area. How some people refuse to believe that areas such as Raheen, Dooradoyle, Castletroy and much of Caherdavin dont naturally belong to Limerick city is beyond me. The city boundary as it stands just isnt sustainable and its little wonder that the city has developed in such a disjointed and unco-ordinated manner over the course of the last 50 years or so! Limerick city is just too small to be governed by 2 Limerick local authorities and as far as Im concerned a city boundary should expand along with the city, within reason of course.
Cllr Eddie Wade is one of the biggest dinosaurs I’ve come across in a long time, he couldnt secure a nomination for the last general election so now he’s just trying to keep himself in the news with a few regular rants! The Limerick city suburbs are a huge cash cow for Limerick County Council and they will not give them up without a fight, they are in direct competition with the City Council in a bid to secure commercial rates and I think its a well known fact that limerick County Council wont turn down any development that will guarantee them some cold hard cash! Unfortunately they couldnt care less if the city centre degenerated into a ghost town as long as they were raking it in! One city councillor put it fairly well during the week when he described the County Councils attitude to planning in the boundary area as “laissez fair at best” Thats good local government for you!:rolleyes:
