Opera Centre

breezy1985

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122885515#Comment_122885515

Will the Georgian buildings be stand alone ?

I had always assumed that they would now just be the front of bigger buildings in the same way the new library will be designed.

Glenomra

I thought that their refurbishment was to be part of the apart-hotel development at the corner of Patrick Street and Ellen Street;that there would be shops at ground level and that the accommodation on upper levels of the Georgian buildings, would be part of the new structure. Hopefully, Opera One is completed soon and gets tenants, that the already funded 14 storey block is built relatively soon and the government funded library building is also built relatively soon. All of that development would move the project on towards completion. If the first stages are successful their will be an impetus to get the entire development completed imo. What causes me some concern, is the recent departure of the CEO, David Conway. I haven't read a reason why he left mid-project.

Cookiemunster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122885649#Comment_122885649

David Conway left to take up the role of Chief Executive of Louth CC. This was stated in the statement that was released to announce his departure and has been mentioned on every article I've read about his departure.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122885549#Comment_122885549

The buildings next to the old Town Hall are to be integrated into the new library.

The other buildings are to be refurbished into ground floor retail and residential on the upper floors. This is different to the original plan. It seems the aparthotel will no longer be built and instead a normal hotel will be going in there.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122880896#Comment_122880896

I think you're reading too much into this. They've already gotten the approval for funding of €85m from the EIB, €85m from the CEDB and ISIF provided €80m for One Opera Square. The tower is costing €90m and the library is due to cost €40m, so there is still plenty left to build out the rest of the development. Funding can't be 'confirmed' until the relevant lender releases the money.

Glenomra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122885938#Comment_122885938

Thank you. Moat informative and positive. I genuinely hadn't read yhe reason for David Conway's departure. Mea culpa.

Strettie11

this is the first time I have seen the phrase "subject to funding" mentioned in anything related to the Opera centre. When the Opera centre received european bank funding in 2018 of 170 million the cost of the project was stated as 180million so the project was as close to fully funded as you could get.

but since the project cost has risen in 2020 - 200million, 2022 - 240 million and last press mention I see a figure of 290 million and rumours are circulating this is now north of 300 million

Have not seen anything on any new project funding which may indicate a funding shortfall that was not helped by the length of time it took to get tenants into Gardens international

will be interesting if it has an impact on Cleeves as well

Cookiemunster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122886135#Comment_122886135

They got €80m from ISIF for One Opera Square and that was not part of that original European funding. The total announced funding is €230m. One Opera Square, the tower (plus Granary refurb) and the library (plus small apartment block) are stated to cost a total of €210m.

Also, leasing out the Gardens will have had no affect on this project or its funding. The council funded that and rental money will be paying them back.

With respect to Cleeves, this is the latest.

In addition to the funding received from the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, as part of the World Class Waterfront Project Limerick Twenty Thirty is engaging with development partners and investors to secure funding for delivery of this €450m scheme.

pigtown

Do we know if Limerick2030 are to retain ownership of the entire development and for Cleeves? It would be great if there was a policy of long term leases which would keep rents down for both commercial and residential tenants

Poxyshamrock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122886260#Comment_122886260

No, as far as I know, they are building with the intention to sell. For example, it is the intention for the 150 bedroom hotel will be sold to a developer to build.

HGVRHKYY

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122884957#Comment_122884957

It was always appalling how little residential was going into such a big development, the fact that they're proposing a 150 room hotel just rubs salt in the wound. Obviously the city needs more hotel rooms as well, but residential really should take priority with how terrible the housing crisis is - just look at the rents on daft to understand how impossible it is for young people at the moment.

Cookiemunster

The residential is going into the Cleeves site. 230 units plus 175 student units.

The LDA are going to build 290 units on the old gasworks site at the corner of the Dock Road and O'Curry St.

Construction on 56 apartments at the bottom of Careys Road (Speakers Corner) is about to start.

13 apartments at 33/34 Thomas St are out to tender for construction.

There are plans for the LDA to build around 300 units on the old Guinness site on Careys Road.

There are plans for 285 units at Toppins Field.

The list goes on. Maybe this site could have had more residential but the plan was for this to be Limericks business district. There are plenty of council/LDA homes in the pipeline along with private development and multiple renovations of Georgian town houses into apartments. Housing is not being ignored.

breezy1985

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122915805#Comment_122915805

If there is a problem with a lack of housing it's offices that should go. We could definitely do with either a high end or known brand hotel.

Too late to worry about now though.

Glenomra

The important thing now imo is that the Opera Centre is completed, regardless of any deficiencies in the plans for accomodation. Limerick City needs the entire development built and occupied. This 'urban scar' needs to be filled with state of the art modern buildings. A failure to do would be a huge blow to the city centre. As cookiemunster points out there are many alternative housing developments either under construction or at an advanced planning stage within the city environs. Also, a large city centre hotel would be another wonderful addition to the city.

Cookiemunster

A recent video update from Limerick 2030.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1874047855515619511

breezy1985

Its looks really good when you are coming down from Denmark St.

Having a nice backdrop makes the whole lane around the Old Quarter look much better.

Glenomra

I notice an isolated concrete tower built inside the Rutland Street entrance. Does anyone know what purpose that construction will serve.

Poxyshamrock

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123021753#Comment_123021753

it’s a lift shaft for the library building.

Cookiemunster

Looking at the drawings I think it's actually a ventilation shaft for the underground carpark. The lifts in the library are to be situated at the rear corner of the old Town Hall building at the entrance from the square.

The shaft would be the shaded area on the image, which is looking into the service yard from Bank Place.

And it's named in this image.

Zoom in on that.

The location in the drawing matches what's being built.

It also wouldn't make sense for it to be part of the library as the tender for construction of the library isn't due to be awarded until Q2 this year.

Cookiemunster

A few minor updates from recent council publications. Firstly it was confirmed in the December Executive Report that the shaft being discussed above is indeed the ventilation shaft for the underground car park.

Secondly, from yesterdays Metropolitan monthly meeting, the library and attached office building went out for tender in November.

Glenomra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123183265#Comment_123183265

Delighted to hear that the library and office building gone for tender.

mart 23

Any start with the OPW building ?

Cookiemunster

You'll have to wait until you see the core going up before you see anything above the hoardings.

mart 23

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123183609#Comment_123183609

I dont live in Limerick but has work started on this building other than the basement

Glenomra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123363204#Comment_123363204

The basement work for the entire site seems to be concluded or nearly completed. Cookiemunster generally has the most accurate updates. One building on the site almost complete but the construction of no other building has started.