Five-year planning extension sought for Bower Hall apartments in Athlone

A five-year planning extension has been sought for the development of a major residential scheme at Bower Hall, formerly the Our Lady's Bower convent, in Athlone.

Planning permission was originally granted for a 99-unit residential development on the site on July 23, 2021, and is due to expire on August 29, 2026.

Works on the site are said to have been delayed due to "recent humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine followed by request from [Westmeath County Council] to accommodate a number of Ukrainian refugees for a number of years", the applicant, Wincove Land Limited, said.

Part of the site was used to host Ukrainian refugees for some years, with Bower Hall currently in use as student accommodation.

The original planning permission for the site at Aghacocara and Loughanaskin, Lower Rd, Athlone involved a change of use of the old 1889 Our Lady's Bower Convent building, and a later 1960s extension, from a convent and boarding school to library and residential apartments.

A new residential apartment block extension to the north-west side of the existing 1960s building is also in the plans, and an additional new residential apartment block is planned for the old tennis courtyards at the south-east part of the site.

In total, the project which was approved comprises some 99 units. The old convent building is to be converted into eleven apartments and a library.

The later extension is to house 33 apartments, while the new buildings are designed to accommodate 52 apartments and three three-bed town houses.

Provision was also made for a library, creche and a small museum element recognising the role of the La Sainte Union Sisters who founded the convent.

A decision on the application for the extension is due on November 20.