The main players behind the proposed Opera Centre presented new and improved plans to members of Limerick City Council last week in a bid to gain support for the project that aims to be the"crowning glory" in the regeneration of the city centre.
Some of the features of the massive 40,000 square foot will include three anchor stores, over 40 retail units, a rooftop garden and creche, a 220 seat food court and underground parking for 500 cars.
David Courtney of Regeneration Developments Ltd explained that controversial plans to incorporate the Granary, Bank Place and other parts of Ellen Street into the latest plans is for the good of the project.
"I'm sure that we're all familiar with the current trend to locate supermarkets and large shopping centres out at the city limits. This has damaged the city centre and undermined other facilities there such as pubs and restaurants.
The application we lodged five weeks ago are for a major commercial attraction that will draw a lot of people in. The sooner we can provide space for our many retailers there, the better."
He acknowledged that all major developments have negative aspects but insisted that the company has assembled an exceptional team to ensure that "the significant benefits for the city will outweigh any negatives".
The team will include top consultants and conservation architects such as former Limerick City Architect, Jim Barrett, Nicholas De Jong and Associates and the firm behind the design of the Dundrum Shopping Centre-Ferguson, Wheeler, Douglas and Wallace (FWDW)
FWDW Director, Paul Ferguson,presented the plans to the Economic Policy Development and Future Planning Strategic Policy Committee outlining how it would be "the crowning glory of the Limerick City Centre regeneration" and "an exciting combination of elegance through the retained Georgian facades and cutting edge contemporary design".
He added that the centre's design will represent "a total contrast between new and old".
The road on Ellen Street will be widened and all around the centre paving and other street elements will tie in with the rest of the city's pedestrianised areas such as Bedford Row.
Cllr Kathleen Leddin led the positive reactions of her colleagues, congratulating the architects on plans to maintain some of the history and heritage of the area and for adjusting some aspects of the original plans such as the unusual sail style design on the main entrance.
Proposed Opera Centre |
Mayor Ger Fahy said that the flagship development would bring an exciting opportunity to the city and would cement Limerick's reputatiuon as a "modern and vibrant European city".
Cllr Kevin Kiely asked Mr Courtney if the company had negotiated with all the relevant stakeholders, particularly those in the Granary, which was recently added to the plans.
He responded that there are currently occupying tenants but it would "be premature to enter into negotiations until the current application is processed. It is our intention to meet with them".
