AN internationally renowned firm of architects and urban planners have been appointed by Limerick City and County Council to develop a “holistic” masterplan for 75 hectares of land to the south of the city.
Allies and Morrison, based in London and Dublin, is now working with the local authority’s Housing Development Directorate to make best use of the strategic landbank which includes Baggot Estate, Ballinacurra Creek, Toppin’s Field and the Rosbrien lands adjacent to the M20 motorway.
The process will include thorough engagement and consultation with local community groups and interested stakeholders as well as understanding the existing physical and policy constraints. The team will be exploring a wide range of options for new recreation uses, nature conservation, homes, employment and community infrastructure.
According to Limerick City and County Council’s Senior Architect Seamus Hanrahan, the design team assembled for the Southside Masterplan includes some of the world’s best architectural and urban design talent.
“We look forward to working with Allies and Morrison to complete the masterplanning process for this important strategic city landbank.
“This work will be done in close consultation with the local community taking into account future needs with the objective of ensuring that the land uses proposed are maximised and that development takes place in a coordinated manner,” he added.
Antony Rifkin of Allies and Morrison explained that their approach is about working with the character of the place and listening to what local people tell them is important.
“We’re delighted to be working in Limerick and we look forward to exploring the great potential of this part of the city,” he added.
As part of the engagement with the public, a roundtable workshop is taking place this Thursday, November 29 from 6pm until 8pm at the Limerick Strand Hotel. This will be an opportunity to find out more about the masterplanning process and provide feedback.
