Tuborg

Limerick Private Hospital (Dock Road)

Meanwhile not far from the mid western regional hospital, work is continuing on another private hospital beside the blackberry business park on the dock road. According to their website,this 92 bed hospital should be operational by the Autumn of this year.

An interesting but highly unlikely concept for O Connell Street!

Councillor keen for full pedestrianisation of the city’s main thoroughfare

By Petula Martyn

THE full pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street would bring more retailers and shoppers to the heart of Limerick, according to a City Councillor.
The city council originally planned to pedestrianise the city’s main thoroughfare from Sarsfield Street to Roches Street and Cllr Joe Leddin wants these plans to be fully implemented. He believes the scale of the works planned should not be reduced in size by the local authority.

Limerick City Council revealed an ambitious €50m pedestrianisation plan for O’Connell Street in 2007 once the construction of a proposed orbital route around the city centre is complete.

A major change in the flow of traffic will be required in order for the plan to work. As a designated gateway city, Limerick is entitled to funding from the National Development Plans Gateway City initiative.

Cllr Leddin said: “I have fully supported from the beginning the pedestrianisation plans which were brought before the council and the benefits in terms of the visual attractiveness of the city centre are now clearly evident on Bedford Row and Thomas Street.

“People and families can now walk freely and safely around these pedestrianised areas without having to negotiate traffic,” he said.

“Traders on these streets have stated openly how their business has increased and more importantly these pedestrianised streets have brought new retailers and shops into the heart of the city,” he added.

The proposed inner orbital route will circle the city in a clockwise direction, from Mallow Street, Henry Street, Arthurs Quay, Charlottes Quay, Clare Street, Cathedral Place, Sexton Street, Parnell Street and back onto Mallow Street.

Cllr Leddin said this orbital route can adequately deal with the traffic implications of pedestrianising O’Connell Street.

The matter is due to be raised at the next roads SPC meeting on January 14.

Limerick Leader

You went a building too far with your highlighter there CologneMike, the yellow building marks the boundary of the site.

I notice this is the 2nd attempt at a redevelopment of that area in the last couple of years. Back in 2004, permission was granted by Limerick City Council for a “transitional residential apartment building”, this was later appealed to An Bord Pleanala who subsequently overturned the decision, on the grounds that:

1. Catherine Street forms part of the 18th century extension to Limerick City known as Newtown Pery, which is an area of unique architectural character and of considerable heritage value to the city. Numbers 35 and 36 Catherine Street arelate Georgian houses of classical design, which form part of a small terrace of such, the rest of the terrace consisting of number 37 Catherine Street. It is considered that this terrace and these buildings are of architectural heritage significance sufficient to justify their retention and conservation. The proposed development would entail demolition of most of the historic fabric of thesebuildings, thereby destroying part of the architectural heritage of the city and seriously injuring the amenities of the area. Therefore, the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

2. Notwithstanding that the proposed use would be generally acceptable, it is considered, having regard to the scale of the proposed development and to the pattern of development in the vicinity, including the proximity of a number of protected structures, that the proposed development would be of excessive density and would, thereby, seriously injure the amenities of property in the vicinity.

If the last proposal was considered to be of excessive density, I wonder what they’d make of 6 storeys over basement, with 60,000 sq ft of retail/office space!:eek: Ideally this development should go ahead in some shape or form (prefferably with the full retention of 35,36,37) as this part of the city centre has effectively been bypassed in terms of investment in recent years. This could be the kick start it needs!

Two conflicting reports here on the exact nature of the works to be carried out on the opera centre site in the near future. Both however confirm what many of us had thought for quite a while, ie. that the developers have bought up a number of adjacent properties that had not formed part of the initial application. The most interesting inclusion is that of the old City hall, strangely only the facade of the building is listed on the record of protected structures!:confused:

Other properties likely to form part of the revised development are No.s 1,2,3 Patrick Street, immediately adjacent to the Catherine Hayes house and also the former fat zoe’s restaurant beside the town hall. It remains to be seen how these will be integrated into the shopping complex. I wonder is Pat Keogh being a tad optimistic in hoping for no further delays given the history of the project so far?

€250m development boost for city centre

By Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent

LIMERICK city centre has received another boost with confirmation yesterday that work on the massive Opera Centre development is to get underway in the new year.
Belfast businessman Suneil Sharma is behind the €250 million project.

The news came a day after it was announced that a €40m development is being planned for another location in the heart of the city.

The Opera Centre will cover a massive 400,000 square feet with frontage onto five streets which will include Rutland St, Patrick St, Ellen St, Michael St and Bank Place.

Pat Kearney, who heads Rooney Auctioneers, spent more than four years negotiating the purchase of properties with up to 40 landlords, owners and tenants.

Mr Kearney said: “This will be fantastic for the city and it will give Limerick a new national shopping focus.”

The Opera Centre development will take more than two years to complete and will feature spectacular elevated walkways encased in glass, linking various shopping locations within its parameters.

More than 1,200 people will be employed full-time in the centre.

It has been named after a famous Limerick opera singer, Catherine Hayes, who was born in Patrick Street and who sang for Queen Victoria in Buckingham Palace.

It is planned to preserve her old home at No 4 Patrick Street as a museum in her honour.

Mr Keogh, of Regeneration Developments, who is overseeing the huge development, said it was now all systems go with all planning requirements satisfied.

These include surveys and conservation reports on houses in Patrick Street.

Demolition work to clear the main site will commence in January.

Mr Keogh said: “Some adjustments will likely be made to the original state of the art plans, because additional properties have come into the scheme. Some plans will be amended and we hope that this will not cause any delays. This will be a huge boost to the regeneration of the heart of the city.”

A report on the revitalisation of the city centre published last week warned that the city centre was in urgent need of massive development of its retail sector.

The report, co-authored by the former president of the University of Limerick Dr Ed Walsh, stated that the city centre retail sector had, to an unprecedented scale, fallen behind the suburban shopping areas.

It called for an iconic development of the Arthur’s Quay Park area which is adjacent to where the Opera Centre stands.

Irish Examiner

Marks & Spencer considering move to €250m centre in Limerick

Marks & Spencer could be moving to more than one location in Limerick in two years time.

Rooney Auctioneers on O’Connell Street, Limerick, are currently in discussions with the British chain regarding acquiring an outlet in the €250m Opera Centre.

Auctioneer Pat Kearney said: “I think they may want a presence in both locations. They could have clothing in one store and food in the other.”

Jenny Mulholland, head of property planning for Ireland with Marks & Spencer, has confirmed their intentions to have a second outlet in Limerick and said having an outlet in the city centre “is definitely on our strategy”.

“We have always been very interested in having a centre in Limerick city, even if it is just a food outlet. The city is very vibrant and we are keen to be a part of the retail environment there as well. We’re looking at a number of locations in the city,” said Ms Mulholland.

Marks & Spencer have already confirmed their intentions to open a major outlet at the Crescent Shopping Centre in Raheen, Limerick, pending planning permission from Limerick County Council.

The flagship store in Raheen, which will be the biggest in the west of the country, will include a wide range of fashion, home and furniture products, a food hall, café and a deli bar.

Mr Kearney confirmed that Brown Thomas have also been approached about moving from their store on O’Connell Street to the Opera Centre, but said “nothing positive has happened on that front yet”.

Despite a number of media reports stating that work is to begin on the massive retail centre in January, Pat Keogh, who is involved in the development of the Opera Centre, has dismissed these suggestions.
Rather, conservation work will be carried out on four Georgian buildings on Rutland Street, which An Bord Pleanála ruled to conserve.

Mr Keogh said as a number of other buildings have come into their possession since the application was granted, they will be going back to City Hall with further amendments to their application.

One such building is the offices of the Limerick Post, which is a protected structure.

Mr Keogh said the full plans for the future of the Opera Centre will be tied down in the New Year, and said plans to include The Granary building on Michael Street into their development is “not certain and not conclusive”.

Dick Tobin, senior planner with Limerick City Council, said they have received compliances in relation to the planning permission that was granted by An Bord Pleanála earlier this year.

However, he said he has not been made aware of any new plans to alter the application, to include The Granary, which houses the nightclub, Trinity Rooms, the City Library and City Enterprise Board, among other offices.

“I haven’t heard anything formally yet. As tenants we would have to be informed even before the planners would be informed,” said Mr Tobin.

When built, the Opera Centre will be the largest commercial development in the Mid-West and is expected to create in excess of 1,000 jobs.

Belfast businessman Suneil Sharma sold on his interests in the Opera Centre to a consortium of investors this May for an undisclosed sum.

Kerry property tycoon Jerry O’Reilly has been confirmed as one of the three new investors.

Mr O’Reilly also owns The Granary building in Limerick, which is a protected structure.

breakingnews.ie

Attached
Old City Hall Rutland Street Limerick

Clancy Strand Development

Permission is sought for the demolition of Strandville, Roseville and Curragour House, ancillary sheds and structures, at Clancy Strand, Limerick and permission to construct 49 no. apartments (14-3 bed, 34-2 bed and 1-1 bed) in a five storey building with 1.5 floors of basement carparking, site entrance, drainage, landscaping and ancillary works

Clancy Strand
Limerick

Decision: Granted😡

I think this decision demonstrates once and for all, that the Limerick City council planning department really are a pack of amateurs. I cant see for the life of me, how they passed this! The refurbishment work on clancy strand itself looks excellent but their going to spoil it all now with another cheap cladded box. From what I can see there is no change to the original plans and im pretty sure that jacksons turret is also as Roseville. Unfortunately there is no access to the list of conditions on the web page so its unclear if Jacksons turret is to be retained or not. Whatever happens, its a given that this is heading to An Bord Pleanala. We’ll see what they make of it!

Well, the planning application for the new stand (or a 1,500 covered spectator area as the LDMC are calling it) only went in during the past week so it’ll be some time yet before its up and running, subject to planning permission of course. All dosent seem well at Limerick 37 though, according to the local prress an emergency board meeting is scheduled for this weekend, apparently the clubs finances arent too healthy and its not guaranteed that the club will get a licence for next season! It all sounds frustratingly familiar!:(

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.

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)”.

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 area”. 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 “disgrace”. “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.”

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 river”.
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.”

Limerick Independent

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.

Limerick Leader

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

The expected planning application for the further development of the Milk Market was submitted by the Limerick market trustees in the past week!

07450

Description; The erection of a tensile structure in the central courtyard, development of a mezzanine floor within the courtyard incorporating a restaurant at upper level and permanent stall units at ground level, the construction of restaurant kitchen and associated service areas within the market house and adjacent units, the conversion of existing office unit in the market building into a permanent stall unit and the development of two stall units and bin store area on the public footpath Mungret Court adjacent to the Market Buildings. The Milk Market is a protected structure (RPS 049)

Address; Milk Market Mungret Street Limerick

@vkid wrote:

From todays IT Commercial property section..Also mentions the same rumour I heard earlier in the year that Brown Thomas was possibly to relocate to the Opera Centre and we will eventually see the back of that ugly building dominating O’Connell Street. Would be great if they do. Better image of the entrance to the Opera Centre at the corner of Ellen Street and Patrick Street which looks a lot better than the original one the Post and Leader had. Will see if I can scan in..it doesn’t seem to be online.
Full article here

The promoters will obviously be hoping that Brown Thomas may fill one of those anchor units by moving down from its tired store on O’Connell Street.

I think everyone longs for the day when that monument to misery meets the wrecking ball, but I wont get my hopes up just yet! I wonder would Brown Thomas really consider moving into a shopping mall?, after all they like to consider themselves an exclusively high street department store, I believe all their stores are located on the principal retailing streets in each city! The O Connell Street location is unrivalled, its the building itself thats the achilles heel of the business. Even though it was only opened in 1963 and despite a good deal of investment over the last couple of years, its basically obselete at this stage. The layout is awkward and the whole operation seems to be hampered by a lack of space. I notice, Brown Thomas have recently spruced up the facades by giving them a nice coat of grey paint!:)

Theres been a lot of talk of Debenhams switching to the opera centre aswell, of course their current store could be facing demolition aswell as part of the plans for the Arthurs Quay area. Marks & spencer appear to have signed up for the parkway scheme although there are rumours that they’re planning a city centre store aswell. Whatever happens, there should be a bit of a scrap for the 2 anchor units. BTW has anyone come across any flooor plans for the opera centre?

Below;
Old Todds Department store, destroyed by fire in 1959.