University of Limerick agrees to purchase vacant Dunnes Stores site in city centre

lockman

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Des Fitzgerald was on Newstalk this morning talking about this. He didn't really say much, but when the presenter asked about the design in relation to ULs history of good architecture he said (paraphrasing) that they has a few designs already on the table and wanted the building to be iconic in the city center.

So that definitively answers the question as to whether they they're refurbishing or rebuilding. Can't wait to see the final design.

For those of you that missed it, here is the podcast of the interview with UL president, Dr Fitzgerald:
https://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/highlights-from-newstalk-breakfast/university-limerick-buys-dunnes-stores-site?fbclid=IwAR0KwUWypWt29GUAEASvnTERTDh6mfoGWL5utE519-r_F67wVPODdwgtOHc

zulutango

Fantastic architecture there lads. I can see them gathering up all the prizes on offer with this masterpiece.

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/374872/revealed-university-of-limerick-s-design-concept-of-vacantdunnes-stores-site.html

Cpt_Blackbeard

zulutango wrote: »

Fantastic architecture there lads. I can see them gathering up all the prizes on offer with this masterpiece.

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/374872/revealed-university-of-limerick-s-design-concept-of-vacantdunnes-stores-site.html

In fairness, it does give insight into what they've planned anyway. Clearly a significant development is planned and it is designed with a focus on the riverfront and castle.

Cookiemunster

zulutango wrote: »

Fantastic architecture there lads. I can see them gathering up all the prizes on offer with this masterpiece.

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/home/374872/revealed-university-of-limerick-s-design-concept-of-vacantdunnes-stores-site.html

Christ almighty. It's a concept. I though you being involved in architecture would understand that. :rolleyes:

Mc Love

In the concept it looks like they'll keep the existing road in front of the building, would have thought they have applied to close that off to traffic.

MarkR

I'm not gone on the purple. And I reckon it could do with some windows.

Poxyshamrock

Already people complaining on Limerick Leader about lack of car parking.

Cookiemunster

Mc Love wrote: »

In the concept it looks like they'll keep the existing road in front of the building, would have thought they have applied to close that off to traffic.

Isn't that something that only the council can do?

Mc Love

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

Already people complaining on Limerick Leader about lack of car parking.

Easy solution - cycle or get the bus!

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Isn't that something that only the council can do?

Possibly but seeing as they've taken an eyesore out of the city, they could lean on the council to close that road and then extend the plaza out to the river. There is access from Liddy St

tototoe

One thing Limerick is not short of is parking. There are loads of multi stories, almost never full.

bigpink

This must have been in the planning for a long time no?

ongarboy

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

Already people complaining on Limerick Leader about lack of car parking.

Since when did every student drive to lectures or did Limerick transform into Beverly Hills 90210 recently?

bigpink

ongarboy wrote: »

Since when did every student drive to lectures or did Limerick transform into Beverly Hills 90210 recently?

Go up to Mary I and see how many have cars

ongarboy

tototoe wrote: »

One thing Limerick is not short of is parking. There are loads of multi stories, almost never full.

Both sides of William Street have ample parking too although it does tend to get full if you're not early. The double yellow lines and lack of enforcement are particular enticements and you don't need tickets as flashing your hazards will suffice.:D:D

source

bigpink wrote: »

This must have been in the planning for a long time no?

I would imagine this is why the council were unsuccessful in their bid to have it declared derelict.

I like the design, having the road run through is good, I'm not sure it would be such a good idea to block it up.

Cookiemunster

source wrote: »

I like the design, having the road run through is good, I'm not sure it would be such a good idea to block it up.

I wouldn't have thought the idea would be to block it up, more pedestrianize it from Lower Bedford Row. You wouldn't walk under the bridge right now, but if there was a open plaza out onto the river it would make it more welcoming and link it onto the quays.

Vanquished

Poxyshamrock wrote: »

Already people complaining on Limerick Leader about lack of car parking.

Clowns! These are the type of people that would probably rather the status quo remained so they can continue to park up in the old loading bay behind the building.

Cookiemunster

The Post have a second concept with the height of the Sarsfield St Building reduced.

Vanquished

source wrote: »

I like the design, having the road run through is good, I'm not sure it would be such a good idea to block it up.

That road serves very little function. It sees very low traffic volumes and is just duplicating what's already in existence. Traffic can use Lower Bedford Row and access the Arthur's Quay area via Henry Street which has plenty of capacity.

Developing a pedestrian plaza in front of the new UL building would be a great addition to the city. Some of the best views of the castle, Curraghgour falls and the river in general are available from that spot. An ugly metal barrier ruins it all at the moment.

sioda

By the look of that picture they have bought the whole block

source

Cookiemunster wrote: »

I wouldn't have thought the idea would be to block it up, more pedestrianize it from Lower Bedford Row. You wouldn't walk under the bridge right now, but if there was a open plaza out onto the river it would make it more welcoming and link it onto the quays.

Poorly phrased, what I meant was blocked to vehicle traffic.

Mc Love

tototoe wrote: »

One thing Limerick is not short of is parking. There are loads of multi stories, almost never full.

Howleys Quay is full most mornings, as is Steamboat Quay, and City Central.

source

Vanquished wrote: »

That road serves very little function. It sees very low traffic volumes and is just duplicating what's already in existence. Traffic can use Lower Bedford Row and access the Arthur's Quay area via Henry Street which has plenty of capacity.

Developing a pedestrian plaza in front of the new UL building would be a great addition to the city. Some of the best views of the castle, Curraghgour falls and the river in general are available from that spot. An ugly metal barrier ruins it all at the moment.

I agree regarding the metal barrier, however I think you underestimate the level of traffic going through there, I regularly use it to avoid Henry St and have often been as far back as the bridge waiting to get through the lights.

It would significantly increase the level of traffic using Lower Bedford Row and Henry St which is already very busy.

Also because of the car park under the Pier Hotel that section of the Quay would need to be made 2 way.

Mc Love

If people knew it closed off, they could use Lower Cecil st to access Henry St as well which I dont think would significantly increase the level of traffic as the traffic would use alternative routes, some wouldnt even go as far as Lower Bedford row if it was the case

jasper100

sioda wrote: »

By the look of that picture they have bought the whole block

That Dunnes unit occupied that whole block anyway.

MarkR

Obviously pedestrianisation would be the preference. Would be a shame to have a stream of traffic passing through. Kind of takes the idea of being a Riverside campus away from it.

damowill

MarkR wrote: »

Obviously pedestrianisation would be the preference. Would be a shame to have a stream of traffic passing through. Kind of takes the idea of being a Riverside campus away from it.

i'd also be quite happy to see the area pedestrianised. it would really open up Arthurs Quay park as well.

i wouldnt mind a rooftop cafe bar restaurant, would be a pretty sweet spot to enjoy food or beverage while taking in the scenery!!

The Specialist

Not blown away by that mock-up of it, it's as basic as can be. And I'm sure the open entry plaza area facing the Sarsfield bridge underpass will never ever become an anti-social drinking spot outside of college hours.......

sioda

jasper100 wrote: »

That Dunnes unit occupied that whole block anyway.

What about the pharmacy

Mc Love

The Specialist wrote: »

Not blown away by that mock-up of it, it's as basic as can be. And I'm sure the open entry plaza area facing the Sarsfield bridge underpass will never ever become an anti-social drinking spot outside of college hours.......

Could be the Limerick version of "Spanish Arch"