Plans progressing for new ‘cultural hub’ in Waterford city as public consultation begins
Waterford City and County Council is pushing forward with its plans to transform 25-26 O’Connell Street
Plans are progressing for a new “cultural hub” in Waterford city as the public consultation process begins.
Waterford City and County Council is pushing forward with its plans to transform the vacant property at 25-26 O’Connell Street.
It is envisaged that the site be redeveloped into a purpose-built campus and headquarters for the Waterford Cultural Quarter.
The campus, which would be known as WCQ Creative, would be dedicated to accommodating and supporting the creative and artistic community in Waterford.
The proposed development includes workshops, studios, a café, gallery and retail space with commercial studio and office space on the upper floors.
As part of the project, the existing three-storey building would be demolished and replaced by two new three-storey buildings.
A public realm courtyard would be located between the buildings.
The buildings would provide studio and workshop spaces for WCQ Creative, as well as two floors of commercial office space.
The existing 19th century basement vaults would be retained.
Landscaping works would be carried out in the courtyard, including the refurbishment of the adjoining boundary wall and connection to Garter Lane.
Other works will include green roofs, photovoltaic panels to the roof of building one, service connections, a new footpath to Meeting House Lane and shared surface to Sargent’s Lane.
Public consultation has begun on the proposed development, with the plans available to view in full on the council website.
Members of the public are invited to make a submission either online or in writing to Mr. Michael Quinn, Director of Economic Development, No.35 The Mall, Waterford city.
The deadline for all submissions is 4pm on Wednesday, November 25.