A MAJOR step forward in creating a community, cultural, and civic heart for Shannon town has been made with the signing of a design contract for the One Shannon Hub building.
And it has been promised that residents will have their say in the purpose and use of the new hub.
Clare County Council has signed contracts with BDP (Integrated Design Team) and Tom McNamara & Partners (Integrated QS & Project Manager) for the design of a multi-functional building known as the ‘One Shannon Hub’, which will combine a town hall, an adaptable performance and community space, library, and flexible co-working spaces in the heart of County Clare’s second largest town.
The new development, which will be located on land held on a 999-year lease by Clare County Council, will also feature public realm improvements to the town square adjacent the site.
The One Shannon Hub is a key element of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan, which was part-funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, Project Ireland 2040, under the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage with match funding by Clare County Council.
At the signing, Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said the advancement of the project to concept design stage will be welcomed by the wider community in Shannon.
“It is great to see this milestone project move forward, originally driven by the Venue Shannon and local community who first proposed the concept of an arts and community space for the town centre,” the Cathaoirleach said.
“Clare County Council’s Masterplan for the town, which was launched in early 2022 following an extensive consultation process, includes the delivery of the One Shannon Hub. It is wonderful to see real progress now being made with the project advancing to preliminary design stage.”
Cllr Donna McGettigan, Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Clare County Council, said: “Working in partnership with the local community, elected members, Shannon Chamber, and local businesses, Clare County Council has committed to the delivery of the One Shannon Hub as a catalyst project for the Shannon Masterplan.
“It will support the transformation of Shannon Town Centre, enhance community facilities in a central location and seeks to stimulate development in the town.”
Welcoming the announcement, CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes, said: “A key objective in our recently launched Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 is to Champion the Delivery of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan, hence we continue to work collaboratively with the local authority in promoting Shannon from an economic development, connectivity, and enhanced quality of life perspective.
“The crucial next step with be the securing of funding to progress to the construction of the One Shannon Hub initially, and ultimately, all elements of the masterplan, as the business and local communities need to see this project move forward at pace.
“We would hope to advance to the construction phase of the One Shannon Hub, and deliver a positive outcome in late 2023 or early 2024. The implementation of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan is critical, otherwise it will be seen as just a plan with no definitive delivery timelines.”
