WHAT is to be the tallest building in Limerick has been given government approval this week.
The 14-storey landmark building at the Opera Square site has been welcomed as a pivotal moment for not just the Opera Square project itself, but the wider Limerick region.
The building will be home to the Office of Public Works.
Welcoming the confirmation of the OPW’s commitment to the building, chair of Limerick Twenty Thirty James Collins said that “the OPW building is the landmark building and very much also pivotal for the entire Opera Square project, so we are delighted today that the cabinet has signed off on the OPW investment here”.
“A huge amount of work has already been advanced at Opera Square, including our One Opera Square building, which is nearing completion and going to be another key economic driver of Limerick. On top of that, the decision today on the OPW building gives not just the wider project, but the Limerick region a huge boost,” Mr Collins said.
The former Limerick councillor said that “the construction phase alone will deliver a major economic stimulus for the region, with 300 jobs in construction and a massive benefit to local suppliers”.
“On its completion we will see up to 950 public servants work daily in the building and 1,500 people on a hybrid working model. This is a key to unlocking the enormous potential of Limerick city centre and a major boost for the regeneration of the city centre.”
The 14-storey building will provide 100,000sq/ft of office space for staff. The works to be delivered by Limerick Twenty Thirty will also include redevelopment of the Granary building and significant enhancement of the Bank Place public realm, Enda Power, CEO at Limerick Twenty Thirty said.
“This is a massive moment for Limerick Twenty Thirty and the Opera Square project. We’re well underway on other works on the site but this 14-storey landmark building will accelerate momentum. We have already identified a preferred contractor for the project and expect to get work underway in late summer, with a two-year build phase,” he said.
Mayor John Moran also welcomed the news, saying that the “project dates back for me to 2014 when I worked on this at the EIB and at the Department of Finance”.
“I’m pleased to finally see this project unblocked and am looking forward to now helping drive delivery of the final building,” he said.
“We’ve spoken of possibilities in Limerick for a long time. Now, with this decisive backing, we are acting on them. The Opera Centre represents the heart of a modern, confident Limerick – a city that leads, not follows.
“It is set to be a part of a key delivery area triangle – namely the Opera Centre, Arthur’s Quay and its future, and the Milk Market area. Soon I hope to see the public realm plans for the Milk Market out for public consultation.”
