Limerick Chamber has called for metropolitan area Public Representatives to vote in approval of the O’Connell Street Development plans and deliver the much needed investment into the City’s main street.
“Limerick Business – across all sectors – urgently need this investment in our urban centre and we call on Metropolitan Councillors to vote in approval of the plans.” said Chamber Chief Executive Officer, Dee Ryan.
“Private investors are sinking money into the City and announcements of projects like the upcoming retail development at Arthurs Quay and the welcome news of a City Centre campus for the University of Limerick, all make this long awaited improvement of O’Connell Street even more pressing”.
Chamber calls for ambitious vision for Public Realm aspects of the plan
Continuing she added “Although businesses are eager to proceed with the plans as outlined and are anxious for the speedy delivery of an enhanced O’Connell Street, the Chamber has expressed strong views to Local Authority officals that the public realm elements of the design – which are not yet fully specified – need to be as ambitious as the business community in the Mid West.”
In its detailed submission on the project, Limerick Chamber calls for expert advice to be sought in finalising the design of the Public Realm aspects of the plan, including the development of a Sensory Plan that will consider all aspects of how the landscaping, artwork and lighting will impact on the visitor experience.
Sensory Plan with visitor experience at its heart, for joined up thinking on prioritisation of multi-million local authority spend
Chair of the Chambers Committee for Retail and Hospitality, and owner of bustling O’Connell Street Centra, James Ryan said “ Limerick Businesses have fought hard to come through the recession and had to re-examine our value offering to ensure that we were delivering the best possible experience for customers. We call on the Council to apply those same high standards to the finishes and the crucial public realm aspects of the detailed O’Connell Street design.”
The Chamber emphasises that finalisation of a Sensory Plan should be prioritised and published as quickly as possible so as not to delay the delivery of the overall project.
“Our vision in the Chamber is for a multi-generational, thriving shared space that is safe and accessible for all. We believe that Limerick has an opportunity to be leaders in thoughtful urban design by putting visitor experience at the centre of plans.” Said Ms. Ryan.
International Rugby Experience as an O’Connell Street Focal Point.
The Chamber also placed emphasis in its submission on the importance of incorporating the International Rugby Experience into the visual focal points of the O’Connell Street plan.
“Niall McLaughlin’s much talked about architectural design for Limerick is going to be a game-changing visitor attraction for the City Centre and will drive footfall from King John’s Castle in the Medieval Quarter to the heart of Georgian Limerick, linking the two areas.
The Business Community fully recognises the impact that this eagerly anticipated asset will have – and we are concerned that designation of a bus stop on the same block as the International Rugby Experience would break the clear sweeping views on the approach to a new architectural gem. We have voiced these concerns to planners and we have asked them to find an alternative suitable location for the bus stop.”
Immediate movement on completion of scheme to O’Connell Street monument
Finally, the Limerick Chamber states in its submission that it considers the delivery of the remainder of O’Connell Street redevelopment as a matter of urgency and clarification is sought in regards the Council’s plans.
“Businesses along the remainder of O’Connell Street are at a disadvantage compared to their counterparts in the redeveloped zone. The International Rugby Experience will have a newly defined streetscape to one side, with the old layout at the other side. Completion of the street as envisaged in earlier plans will alleviate these concerns. Indeed, we call on the council to prioritise the completion of the scheme up to the O’Connell street monument and to ensure Limerick is “Ryder Cup ready” by 2026.”
The proposed improvements to O’Connell Street, which would be to the benefit of our city centre trader members, are also strongly welcomed by the Regions largest employers who recognise that a thriving urban centre experience would be a critical asset in their efforts to attract and retain valuable skilled workers.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Mary McNamee, Membership and Marketing Manager on 061-217607 or m.mcnamee@limerickchamber.ie
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