Former Athlone Workhouse site clearance works to begin

The first step in the process to transform the former Athlone RTC campus and Athlone Workhouse administration block on Northgate Street into a smart innovation and co-working hub have been taken by Westmeath County Council this week with the advertising of plans for site clearance and enabling works.

The project, which is being carried out under the Part 8 planning process, by which local authorities and other bodies consult with the public about their own projects, will see the removal of a number of extensions which took place to the original workhouse structure dating from 1841. The demolition works will be to ground slab level only, prior to the undertaking of archaeological investigation works.

The local authority is also proposing to secure the former workhouse and carry out essential repairs and maintenance to the original fabric, including roofs, gutters, downpipes and all ancillary works.

Temporary hoarding is to be erected around the site for the duration of the proposed works, with the existing stone walls and railings to be retained.

Members of the public have until 4pm on Wednesday, August 6 next, to make a submission or observation on the plans for the derelict Northgate Street building.

The ambitious redevelopment project for the former Athlone workhouse, which is being undertaken in conjunction with TUS, and will see the site being developed into the Athlone Smart Innovation & Co-working hub, is expected to cost in the region of €10 million.

Funding of €1 million has already been secured for the enabling works on the site from the EU Just Transition Fund.