Eye-catching plans unveiled for key Tullamore site
Eye-catching plans for a large residential and commercial development, which aims to revitalise a key site in the centre of Tullamore, were lodged with Offaly County Council this week.
The project known as 'The Distillery Yard', at the former Tesco site on Patrick Street, has been devised by local businessman Seamus Kane.
It includes a proposal for 204 apartments which would be located across four blocks, the tallest of which would span 13 storeys.
A childcare facility and 20 commercial premises - nine of which would be café or licensed restaurant units - are also being planned.
Mr Kane has been working on the project for the last four years, and his family-owned company, Cayenne Holdings Ltd, submitted a planning application for the development on Wednesday. A website for it has also been launched at: thedistilleryyard.ie.
A statement from Cayenne Holdings said the project would be "an exemplar of urban regeneration" and would include event space, flexible retail spaces, exercise space, shops and restaurants.
"An area equivalent to O’Connor Square, as one the largest pedestrianised places in Tullamore, is envisaged as part of the plan and to enable these activities," it said this week.
"The development will revitalise this town-centre location, enhancing the town's vibrancy and vitality and seeking to boost footfall during both daytime and evening."
It added that the development was designed to meet objectives outlined in Offaly County Council's 2021-27 Development Plan, which identified the land in question as "a key town centre site for regeneration, local economic growth, and significant residential development".
BDP Masterplanning & Architecture worked on the plans, which have been welcomed by Laois/Offaly TD Barry Cowen.
"It is an exciting application that is based on and in response to the Tullamore Town area plan and objectives adopted by Offaly County Council," said Deputy Cowen.
"That plan recognised the need and ambition to regenerate and reinvigorate the town centre. It sought developments that spark life and vitality. It encouraged the provision of civic space in addition to residential and commercial proposals. This project certainly meets such criteria.”
The Fianna Fáil TD said he believed "the townspeople and the business community alike" would be "excited with this proposed project".
"It will of course, maybe most importantly, provide a housing option for many, whether first-time buyers or downsizing, to avail of town centre living.
“It also will provide Part V offers to the local authority, as is provided for in Government 'Housing for All' policies,” Deputy Cowen added.