Development work has been launched at Abbey Quarter, the site of the former Smithwick's Brewery which is located on the banks of the River Nore in the city centre.
A 50:50 partnership with Kilkenny County Council and Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), the Kilkenny Abbey Quarter Development Limited (KAQDL), will develop the plots for significant public realm, community and cultural infrastructure.
Launching the redevelopment works, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said: "Over €6 million has been granted to Kilkenny County Council to help achieve the vision for the Abbey Quarter, with the 800-year-old Abbey as its stunning centrepiece, a new linear park running along the banks of the River Nore, and a new Public Realm works around the iconic Brewhouse and Mayfair buildings and the renovation of two 19th century teahouses.
"The Government has a vision and it is to invest in more compact, sustainable and community-centred developments. We want homes, workplaces, schools and amenities to be built in sensible, sustainable ways that improve the quality of life for families, workers and local communities. We want new developments to be climate friendly. With Project Ireland 2040 our investment matches the quality of the plans.
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"Indeed some 200 projects across the country have been granted funding of over €330 million under the four Project Ireland funds in their first year. As a result we are seeing better transport links, better health and environmental outcomes, and more housing. Projects promised for years are now underway or complete."
Mythen Construction has commenced work on the Brewhouse and the surrounding public realm in Horse Barrack Lane and Brewhouse Courtyard, with fit out expected by the end of summer 2020. When complete, the Brewhouse will comprise 4,500 square metres of high Grade A office space, divided into 12 units wrapped around a central atrium.
Kilkenny County Council's Chief Executive, Colette Byrne commented: "This is an exceptional opportunity for Kilkenny. The Brewhouse will be transformed and redeveloped to create a bespoke modern work space. The building is the only example of Bauhaus Construction in Kilkenny. It's retention and redevelopment are an important link to the former industrial and brewing history of the Abbey Quarter site and accords with the principle of sustainable re-use of existing buildings. The redesign will ensure a high level upgrade of modern standards whilst respecting the heritage of the building. The upgrade will keep the 'industrial feel' of the building whilst delivering quality offices that meet the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design [LEED] standard with sustainability at the core of all design decisions for the building."
This multi-use scheme is being delivered courtesy of funding support from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).
(CM/JG)
