Connaught Street project 'forms basis of new urban renewal scheme'

A significant mixed-use development proposed for the Connaught Street area of Athlone forms the basis of a new “urban renewal scheme” which, the developer contends, will remove derelict industrial buildings and replace them with “professionally managed accommodation” built to the highest standards.

Ledbro Ltd, submitted the plans to the council on August 9 seeking approval for a five-storey building at 20 Connaught Street, Harry's Lane and 7 Patrick Street.

The proposal is for 29 apartments, a retail unit, a semi-basement car park, an amenity space and communal open space on the 0.12 hectare site.

The project over two blocks will involve the demolition of a derelict two-storey public house and a shed.

It will also regenerate a section of Connaught Street, Harry's Lane and Patrick Street incorporating active ground floor usage through the retail unit measuring 101 square metres, the developer argues in an Architectural Design report lodged with the planning application.

The main building is comprised of four storeys with a penthouse level facing onto Connaught Street and Harry's Lane.

According to the planning documents, it will be arranged with six apartments per floor on levels 1-3, three units on ground floor level and five on level four. At level four, the building steps back to the north and west to create a penthouse level, which the documents says will allow for generous balconies.

The vast majority proposed are two-bed units (25) along with three one-bed apartments and one three-bed unit.

A separate three-storey apartment building situated on Patrick Street has one unit per floor, all with their own door access. The basement level apartment here is accessed from Patrick Street while the ground to first-floor level units accessed through a large landscaped courtyard in the centre, the plans indicate, adding that this area is intended as a gathering space with seating, a fire pit and a steel pergola with retractable awning to encourage residents outdoors in all weathers.

This courtyard will also have ornamental planting and a children's play area.

All homes will have a shared semi-basement car park accessed from street level from Harry's Lane.

In all, 17 car parking spaces are envisaged to serve the residential element with 72 bike parking spaces on the ground floor.

A decision from Westmeath County Council is due on the by October 3 next.