PLANS to transform a historical landmark building in Limerick City into an education and research facility were given the green light.
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) applied for permission to turn the building into a facility, including office space, computer workstations and learning spaces, as part of its George’s Quay campus.
The site is on land within the curtilage of Fanning’s Castle, a late 16th century tower house listed as a protected structure. The plans were submitted as part of an initiative led by TUS School of Art and Design.
New street fronts are also being developed in a bid to bring the courtyard back to life.
Planning permission was also secured by TUS last December to turn a historic laundry building into a research and design hub.
The plans will see the redevelopment of the former laundry building on Pennywell Road, located at the TUS Clare Street Campus, home to Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD).
As part of the plans, the former laundry building will be converted into a modern research facility.
The redevelopment supports the establishment of the Forge Design Factory (FDF), Ireland’s first interdisciplinary design and learning hub, and part of a global network of 40 design factories.
This project also forms part of a wider initiative developed through the FDF, a collaboration between TUS, University of Limerick, Limerick City and County Council, Tipperary and Clare County Councils, and ICBE.
The site was part of the Good Shepherd Convent and served as a Magdalene laundry from 1842 until 1982.