Iconic former Limerick ballroom set to be demolished
Apartments planned on site of former showband hall in Newcastle West
A LEGENDARY former showband hall in Newcastle West is facing demolition to make way for apartments.
Council planners are expected to decide next month on proposals to knock the Olympic Ballroom at Sheehan’s Road in the town, and put in its place 30 new apartments.
The applicants are Newcastle West D Tops and Tiles Ltd.
The firm wants to see the old ballroom knocked, and the apartments built between two blocks rising up one to three storeys.
Each block would contain 15 apartments, meaning the project would bring a total of 30 apartments if it gets permission.
Of these, the majority – 20 – would be one-bedroom apartments at ground floor level.
The remaining 10 would be two-bedroom duplex apartments covering the first and second floor.
Some 30 parking spots would be provided, with the development also featuring a landscaped communal open space between the two proposed blocks and upgrade works to the public footpath.
The demolition of the Olympic Ballroom will be greeted with sadness by many people in Newcastle West.
Built in the 1960s, the social hub and showband venue was seen as ‘the centre of the universe’ for many in West Limerick.
Back in its heyday, the ballroom hosted legendary acts from the showband era, with the floors regularly packed out.
It is remembered fondly for its energetic Sunday night dances and the popular ice cream treats sold on site.
As well as this, the space was used as a community hub for local gatherings.
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It closed in 1985, with the land then home to a cash-and-carry business. This ceased trading during the last recession, and the site has lain idle since.
But if planners give the green light, the site might finally get a new lease of life.
The bandhall is located at the junction of Sheahan’s Road and Assumpta Park.
In documents supplied to Limerick City and County Council, the developer wrote: “This proposal is to regenerate a zoned and serviced brownfield site in the heart of Newcastle West. It is proposed to create two blocks facing each street framing a communal open space.”
Reacting to the application, Independent councillor Jerome Scanlan, based in Newcastle West said he would have preferred to see Newcastle West’s new garda station planned for that site.
"Definitely there is need for homes in the town. In terms of apartments on the scale proposed, it’s difficult to see, as there is a busy undertakers operation beside it, Riedy's. So my main concern is congestion at term time, and it could impact on the estate across the road,” he added.
Planners are scheduled to make a decision on the proposals on or before Thursday, July 16.