LIMERICK City and County Council has secured funding to put in place a new strategy for King’s Island, aimed at promoting the development of key strategic sites on Nicholas Street and finding new uses for underutilised locations.
The new plan, when complete, is hoped to promote employment and drive footfall in the area.
The funding was secured funding through the THRIVE (Town Centre First Heritage Revival) scheme, which the Council says will be used to enhance the existing King’s Island Walled Town Framework.
The local authority said that the strategy project will address specific objectives of the Limerick Development Plan in terms of breathing new life and business in the King’s Island and Nicholas Street areas.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran added too that he is committed to a new vision for Nicholas Street.
“During the election campaign, voters identified the need to begin a focused and time-mapped plan to restore and reanimate buildings along Nicholas Street that will help bring that street and the surrounding heritage assets and public spaces to a more central position that they deserve in our city. The enhanced King’s Island Walled Town Framework aligns also with my personal commitments to deliver a more Liveable Limerick,” Mayor Moran said.
At the core of this project, the Council says, is community-led multidisciplinary engagement.
“As part of the enhancement of the King’s Island Walled Town Framework, we are looking for you to get involved. So, whether you are a resident, a business owner, a member of a community group, someone who visits King’s Island or from the wider area, we want to hear from you at our engagement events, which will take place over the coming weeks and months,” a statement from the local authority read.
The first such event is taking place this Thursday (August 15) from 2pm to 7pm at Limerick City and County Council headquarters on Merchant’s Quay.
Council staff will be available to discuss the future of King’s Island and the enhancement of the Walled Town Framework.
Discover Limerick DAC will also be present and open to discussion on the day as they prepare a strategic masterplan for King John’s Castle. The new castle plan, according to the Council, aims to increase the value of the iconic heritage site and attract a larger and more diverse audience for both local and international tourism.
Learn more about the framework and upcoming consultation days on kingsislandwalledtown.ie.
