Works have begun on Phase I of the landmark Cleeves Riverside Quarter regeneration in central Limerick, a key milestone in the transformation of the historic 10-acre site. The overall scheme is valued at more than €400 million.

Sisk has been appointed main contractor for this initial phase, which will concentrate on stabilising, consolidating and repairing the protected 175-year-old Flaxmill, one of the city's most important industrial heritage buildings. The 15-month programme is being delivered for Limerick Twenty Thirty (LTT), with funding from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), and represents the first substantive step in the site's comprehensive redevelopment.

Phase I comprises heritage-led works to the Flaxmill's upper storey and roof to safeguard the structure's long-term future and prepare it for integration into the wider regeneration. In the subsequent programme, the Flaxmill is earmarked to become a centre for academic, educational and student facilities, showcasing best practice in adaptive reuse of historic industrial buildings.

Constructed circa 1853, the Flaxmill is a rare surviving example of nineteenth-century industrial architecture and is central to the Cleeves Riverside Quarter. Given its age and condition, a conservation-first approach is being adopted to ensure sensitive repair and stabilisation.

LTT has engaged a specialist conservation team led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB Studios), an internationally recognised UK-based practice noted for work on historic and protected assets, alongside Limerick-based Architectural Conservation Professionals. The team has undertaken extensive surveys, investigations and design development over several years.

FCB Studios has assigned conservation-accredited architects with deep experience in the repair and adaptive reuse of nationally and internationally significant heritage buildings. Their portfolio includes the award-winning conservation and reuse of the 200-year-old Shrewsbury Flaxmill for English Heritage in the UK, a project closely comparable in scale and significance.

For delivery on site, Sisk has assembled specialist craftspeople, including stonemasons, timber experts and ironwork professionals, to execute the conservation-led stabilisation and repair with the traditional skills and precision the structure demands.

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Phase I sits within the broader programme to convert the former industrial lands on the banks of the River Shannon into a new, connected urban neighbourhood. In November, Limerick Twenty Thirty submitted a planning application for Phase II, the first major build phase, proposing a mixed-tenure residential and student quarter for approximately 1,000 people, including 234 high-quality homes and 270 purpose-built student rooms.

The plans also provide 299 sq m of commercial space, a crèche and almost two acres of high-quality public realm with new parks, plazas and gardens, including the Reservoir/Quarry Park, Flaxmill Square and a Riverside Corridor linking the site to the wider city. The public realm is designed to host city-scale events and everyday recreation, with scope for water-based activity benefiting from the on-site reservoir and proximity to the River Shannon.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said: "Today marks another important milestone for Limerick as we continue to build momentum in delivery. Following the recent positive news for the Opera Square development, this week's appointment of contractors at Cleeves is a further step forward. Beginning work on site will secure the future of the Flaxmill building and ensure it's brought safely into the next phase of Limerick's development. This is, ultimately, another key step towards unlocking the wider regeneration of the Cleeves site which is lodged for planning. When developed, this centrally located site has the potential to provide much-needed homes alongside a high-quality public realm offering, strengthening our city centre and creating a place that works for people now and into the future."

Kieran O'Donnell, Minister of State for Older People and Housing said: "I am pleased to mark this significant milestone in the regeneration of the landmark Cleeves site in Limerick City Centre. This project will deliver a high-quality mixed-use development that brings together new homes, commercial space, educational facilities, along with an enhanced public realm. Supported by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), the Stabilisation and Repair works of the Flaxmill building phase reflects this Government's commitment to balanced regional growth and delivery of critical infrastructure that will enable the building of homes and the regeneration of urban communities. The works to the Flaxmill as a protected structure are a crucial first step in unlocking the full potential of the site and I look forward to seeing the project progress and the benefits it will bring to the new Cleeves Riverside Quarter and Limerick City for many years to come."

James Collins, Chairman of Limerick Twenty Thirty, said: "The commencement of Phase I works at the Flaxmill is a hugely important moment for Limerick. This building is an integral part of the city's industrial heritage, and these carefully planned stabilisation and repair works ensure it will be protected, respected and repurposed as part of a vibrant new city quarter. With works now underway on site and planning lodged for Phase II, the project is moving decisively from vision to delivery. This is a major step forward for Limerick City Centre and for the sustainable reuse of our historic assets."

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said: "The works at the Flaxmill are the first tangible step in unlocking the full potential of the Cleeves Riverside Quarter, a strategic city centre site that will deliver new homes, student accommodation, employment and high-quality public spaces. It is this blending of history, community and quality design that will define our vision for Limerick's future."

Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said: "The commencement of works at the historic Flaxmill, safeguards a treasured piece of Limerick's industrial past, but also lays the groundwork for the vibrant new neighbourhood we are creating at the heart of the city. By investing in our heritage today, with support from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, we are creating the conditions for economic vitality, social connectivity and a stronger region."

Roy Browne, Senior Contracts Manager, Sisk said: "Following the successful completion of Phase One of One Opera Square, Sisk is pleased to partner once again with Limerick Twenty Thirty on Phase One of the Cleeves Riverside Quarter. We have begun mobilising on site and look forward to commencing stabilisation and repair works. Our team, together with our specialist local supply chain partners, is committed to ensuring that the history and integrity of the flaxmill is preserved for future generations."