Reporter Rebekah Commane receives a very positive reaction to plans for controversial site
A GREAT Christmas present would be to see work commence on the long awaited Opera Centre, according to a leading city businessman. Years of rumblings that the derelict site, intended as a retail centre, would be taken over by various developers never came to fruition.
However, development is finally due to begin in the coming months after the site was purchased by Limerick City Council for approx. €12 million, secured by Minister Michael Noonan from remaining Department of Environment Regeneration funding.
It is understood that the planning process will be speeded up.
Travel agent, Tony Brazil, said it would have been “embarrassing” for Limerick if the site had been left derelict for further years, confirming that various international retailers had now expressed renewed interest in opening here.
“It will take a year or two to finally take shape but there have been many discussions with overseas companies.
“There is talk of more than Marks and Spencer coming here,” commented Mr. Brazil, who, with a group of interested parties, met with architects in London last Friday.
“There are international stores that have a policy of being represented in the larger cities that have yet to come to Limerick because of a lack of suitable space.
“It would be wonderful to develop that part of town and tie it in with the refurbished Milk Market and reinvent the city.
“There are great opportunities for new restaurants to move into the site.
“We want a place that’s living and vibrant”.
With rumours that negotiations are taking place to attract new airlines and routes into Shannon, which would bring tourists to the region, Mr. Brazil said that home-grown business needs to be attracted first.
“Shannon is important to the region… I can reveal that talks are in train for a service to and from Frankfurt in 2012.
“We need to start at home first of all and stop the drain of people going to other cities to shop.
“Limerick needs to be a happy place to visit and with the other developments at King John’s Castle and the Riverside, the city will be re-energised”.
He added that the procurement of the site by the city council was a sure sign that the development would progress.
“This is more real because, as the owners, Limerick City Council can plan in six months or less what’s to be done and shape the future for the site”.
He said that all businesses had a role to play to ensure that there are no hiccups or delays with the development, designed to include a shopping centre and apartments.
Deputy Kieran O’Donnell FG, described the procurement as a “tremendous opportunity” for Limerick.
“It presents the platform for consultations with all possible stakeholders, including the people of Limerick, and gives certainty on the strategic development of the city centre”.
Labour’s Cllr Joe Leddin said the city council should engage with the University of Limerick and Limerick Institute of Technology to strengthen links between organisations and acquire space for the provision of educational facilities.
“The site presents challenges in the nature and type of development that can create jobs while simultaneously revitalising the city centre”.
The acquisition of the development by the council is a sign of positive things to come for the city, according to Limerick Chamber President Kieran Mac Sweeney.
“It presents an ideal opportunity to create a City Master Plan to incorporate all the relevant enablers for the city, allowing all possible stakeholders to contribute”.
Tony Connolly, who owns several men’s clothing shops including the flagship store on Patrick Street, told the Limerick Post that the centre would improve footfall on that side of the city.
“Once the shops closed on Patrick Street footfall decimated.
“We are virtually the last shop on this side of the city so I’m delighted that progress has been made.
“Now that city council has purchased the site I feel it will be high on their agenda to get the ball rolling, more so than if a developer had stepped in”.
Tony Connolly, owner of several men’s clothing shops including the flagship store on Patrick Street, told the Limerick Post that the centre would improve footfall on that side of the city.
“Once the shops closed on Patrick Street footfall decimated.
“We are virtually the last on this side of the city so I’m delighted that progress has been made.
“Now that city council has purchased the site I feel it will be high on their agenda to get the ball rolling, more so than if a developer had stepped in”.
