LATEST: New plans for St Canice’s Campus in Kilkenny to go on display
The public meeting will be held at a Kilkenny City venue next week
A public information session outlining the Draft Masterplan for St Canice’s Campus will be held in the Medieval Mile Museum on Wednesday, June 10 from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm.
The Masterplan would transform the 60-acre St Canice’s/HSE site on the Dublin Road in Kilkenny.
Potentially, 335 new homes could be constructed as part of a wide-ranging proposal. Two phases are currently being explored by Kilkenny County Council, as part of its ongoing assessment of potential outcomes.
The current HSE offices at Lacken, which have been based on the site for four decades, may be retained under one proposal. This approach could allow for the development of approximately 190 new homes on the surrounding land. Alternatively, the offices could be relocated to a new build on designated HSE lands, freeing up the site for additional homes.
As well as the HSE offices, the site is also home to the popular Pitch and Putt Club. Although precise details are not clear at this point, it’s expected that the club will continue to be accommodated on location as part of the mixed-use development.
In addition, the wider development is set to maintain healthcare facilities as well as include community spaces, and possible commercial elements, creating a blend of uses across the site.
It’s hoped the project will deliver a compact, walkable neighbourhood with ‘strong connections’ to the city centre, including suitable public transport links.
Previously, the project was delayed due to a 'myriad' of reasons, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
The process is back on track, with input from previous public consultations and ongoing dialogue with the HSE, who are the site custodians, helping to assemble the plans.
To support the delivery of the project, Kilkenny County Council plans to adopt a partnership-based approach in collaboration with the HSE and other relevant State agencies. In addition, the local authority proposes to take responsibility for the acquisition and ongoing management of all associated recreational lands, ensuring their long-term maintenance and use for public benefit.
“Drop in any time during those sessions to view the Masterplan and speak to the planning team,” a spokesperson for Kilkenny County Council commented.