Nine-storey office block mooted for Lissywollen area of Athlone

A developer intends to seek planning permission for an office building rising to a height of nine storeys in the Lissywollen area of Athlone, it has emerged.

If the development comes to pass, the building would be one of the tallest in the town, though it wouldn't surpass the 12-storey Sheraton Athlone Hotel.

Avenir Assets Management DAC last week advertised its intention to apply for planning permission for the project at the townlands of Cloghanboy (Homan) and Cloghanboy (Strain).

It said the 10,137 square metre office building would consist of two blocks - Block A, which would be seven storeys, and Block B, of nine storeys.

The facilities would be designed to include office space, meeting rooms, staff welfare, reception and service areas.

There would also be an "interconnecting link bridge between the first and sixth floor levels and outdoor terrace at sixth floor in Block A and eighth floor in Block B."

In addition, the plans would include the construction of a "three-storey parking deck", new entrances and internal access road, and car and bicycle parking.

An existing ESB substation kiosk would be demolished and replaced with a new substation at the eastern end of the site.

The proposed development would be "accessed from the Brawny Road," according to the developer, who is due to submit the planning application to Westmeath County Council shortly.

These plans, on behalf of Avenir Assets Management DAC, have emerged after Avenir Homes Limited submitted an application to An Bord Pleanála earlier this year for a 168-unit residential and student accommodation project on a greenway-adjacent site near Garrycastle.

The planning board's decision on the housing development was expected last month but has been delayed and is still being awaited.