Rejuvenation plan for old gas works (Waterside)

dayshah

I read in the Munster Express that there is a rejuvenation plan for the old gas works site (Waterside).

I think this area has huge potential. There are sometime swans going about John's River there which make it quite nice, (read the following in Cockney accent) in the fog, like a fairytale.

I wonder what will go in there. I hope it is done well, and better than Railway Square which in my view was a wasted opportunity. It is a very big site too (though I suppose there may be an issue with flooding), and road access isn't great. I think its a bit strange that developments went ahead on the outskirts of the city, when there is lots of idle land in the city centre, such as the gas works and on Patrick Street. Let hope the proposals are practical, and not outlandish like previous proposals.

seanybiker

Never knew that was called Johns river.

dayshah

seanybiker wrote: »

Never knew that was called Johns river.

It got they name because you can go to the John there after a night out on the lash

(That or the same reason as John St, Johnstown, St. Johns Church etc)

O Riain

dayshah wrote: »

I read in the Munster Express that there is a rejuvenation plan for the old gas works site (Waterside).

I think this area has huge potential. There are sometime swans going about John's River there which make it quite nice, (read the following in Cockney accent) in the fog, like a fairytale.

I wonder what will go in there. I hope it is done well, and better than Railway Square which in my view was a wasted opportunity. It is a very big site too (though I suppose there may be an issue with flooding), and road access isn't great. I think its a bit strange that developments went ahead on the outskirts of the city, when there is lots of idle land in the city centre, such as the gas works and on Patrick Street. Let hope the proposals are practical, and not outlandish like previous proposals.

gas works on patrick street?

dayshah

O Riain wrote: »

gas works on patrick street?

The gas works is opposite Waterside. On Patrick St there are empty buildings where they had plans for that big shopping centre.

jayboi

dayshah wrote: »

I wonder what will go in there. I hope it is done well, and better than Railway Square which in my view was a wasted opportunity. It is a very big site too (though I suppose there may be an issue with flooding), and road access isn't great. I think its a bit strange that developments went ahead on the outskirts of the city, when there is lots of idle land in the city centre, such as the gas works and on Patrick Street. Let hope the proposals are practical, and not outlandish like previous proposals.

A car park is going in as far as I know hardly making the most of it but sure noting suprises me in this town anymore.

yea personally I think car parks should of went up on the outskirts of the city and they should of then been phased out of the quays and such.

Flyin Irishman

dayshah wrote: »

I think its a bit strange that developments went ahead on the outskirts of the city, when there is lots of idle land in the city centre

I agree, but as far as I know in this particular case the land was contaminated and couldnt be developed.
I wonder will they renovate the two bridges, or will access be from john street / south parade...

dayshah

jayboi wrote: »

A car park is going in as far as I know hardly making the most of it but sure noting suprises me in this town anymore.

I suppose a car park isn't too bad. It's better than what's there, and doesn't damage anything.

Finnbar01

jayboi wrote: »

A car park is going in as far as I know hardly making the most of it but sure noting suprises me in this town anymore.

yea personally I think car parks should of went up on the outskirts of the city and they should of then been phased out of the quays and such.

What do you suggest we put in there?

yea personally I think car parks should of went up on the outskirts of the city and they should of then been phased out of the quays and such.

AFAIK, they had a free carpark with security guard in a site off Ballybricken a few years back. It closed down because no one was using it.

jayboi

Finnbar01 wrote: »

What do you suggest we put in there?

Id like to see the park extended in there to be honest with you. I dont see why the council see the need for another car park unless they plan on taking one out.
Ive been told its partly to accommodate council staff with somewhere park which I hope is untrue as its a waste of money that could be spent somewhere more meaningful and an abuse of council power.

dayshah

jayboi wrote: »

Id like to see the park extended in there to be honest with you. I dont see why the council see the need for another car park unless they plan on taking one out.
Ive been told its partly to accommodate council staff with somewhere park which I hope is untrue as its a waste of money that could be spent somewhere more meaningful and an abuse of council power.

I agree that an extension to the park would be great, especially given all the new apartments with no gardens that have been built. And of course there are the swans

Also, as the area is prone to flooding, a park is a good idea as if it gets flooded its not too bad.

I'd love a park full of fruit trees, so everyone can pick them in autumn. They have them in other countries.

Mr.Shabby

I would assume that it is still a brownfield site that would need remediation?

If thats the case, I couldn't see any public amenities going in there nor could I see anybody having the cash/getting the planning permission to build there. Car Park would probably be the most viable option but I would like to see something substantial going in there givin the size and location.

ex_infantry man

apparently the girlfriend was just saying to me that there is a car park going ahead on this site and the old foot bridges will be restored!!!

deise blue

seanybiker wrote: »

Never knew that was called Johns river.

Otherwise known as St. John's Pill - a tributary of the Suir.

Sully

It will improve the area anyway, that's for sure and there will be a number of new pedestrian exits. From what I understand, it will be built as a car park but concert ready. The Bolton St. Car Park requires a bit of work before its ready, but this one will be more ready.

ex_infantry man

Sully wrote: »

It will improve the area anyway, that's for sure and there will be a number of new pedestrian exits. From what I understand, it will be built as a car park but concert ready. The Bolton St. Car Park requires a bit of work before its ready, but this one will be more ready.

that will be very good for the city thats for sure

merlante

I remember looking at a city development plan during the boom and I think it was one of those high opportunity sites, along with Newgate, Bilberry and the designation for the 'government quarter' in the vicinity of the Bolton st. car park, and the north quays.

The city council, to their credit, moved very quickly to adjust their plans in light of the dramatically reduced budget for the city. The viking quarter went ahead. The government quarter didn't, but instead, House of Waterford Crystal moved in and the Bolton st. car park was extended. It makes sense that a car park be built on the waterside -- for now. The thing with car parks is that they can easily be built on. As far as I know, the council still intends to revamp the quay, that means reducing lanes, adding roundabouts and remove all parking by 2014. In order to do this, they will have to put parking elsewhere, and in the short to medium term, neither Bolton st. or the waterside were going to be developed as planned. In future, multistories can be built as those sites are developed.

It's kind of amusing how many newspaper announcements that were made between 2001 and 2007 in the city. Almost none of them (Railway sq. is one of the very few exceptions) materialised. In the recession, the viking quarter, the Mall and house of Waterford Crystal have and are advancing in leaps and bounds, not to mention the flood defenses and other improvements.

wellboytoo

The way the price of fuel is going maybe it should be for rickshaws and bikes

invalid

Sully wrote: »

It will improve the area anyway, that's for sure and there will be a number of new pedestrian exits. From what I understand, it will be built as a car park but concert ready. The Bolton St. Car Park requires a bit of work before its ready, but this one will be more ready.

It will become a new longstay carpark but is being fitted and designed to hold gigs of up to 12,000 capacity.

S28382

build a giant statue of john mullane boiiii with some nice relaxing gardens and pools just to show that the beast of a man that is john mullane has a peaceful side aswell as the passionate side

Justin_Brophey

Is there any online articles about this ? I cant find any.

beazee

this you looking?

Bord Gáis site to be used as car park
Published on Friday, April 22nd, 2011 at 9:33 am

The Bord Gáis site at the Waterside which has been vacant for over 20 years, is to be used as a car park, said a relieved Cllr Davy Daniels (Independent). “I’ve been talking about this issue for years and to finally see it being put to use for the public’s benefit has got to be welcomed,” he said. A Part Eight Planning application will be put in train to permit the site’s speedy transition back into use.
http://www.munster-express.ie/local-news/bord-gais-site-to-be-used-as-car-park/

Max Powers

invalid wrote: »

.... carpark but is being fitted and designed to hold gigs of up to 12,000 capacity.

If this is the case, fantastic, perfect spot for concerts, big marquees, etc. I didnt see anything like that mention in the Munster article however. A few simple things like using paint instead of kerbs and keeping flood lights to edges of area would make the area ideal, no trip hazards, nothing blocking view of potential concerts etc. I can see it now, Tall Ships 2016 concert under the marquee...U2, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Prince, O-emperor... and Jedward

fricatus

Max Powers wrote: »

If this is the case, fantastic, perfect spot for concerts, big marquees, etc. I didnt see anything like that mention in the Munster article however. A few simple things like using paint instead of kerbs and keeping flood lights to edges of area would make the area ideal, no trip hazards, nothing blocking view of potential concerts etc.

All very sensible stuff. I would suggest that you make some sort of submission on the subject, because no doubt some tosser of an architect will want to put in rockeries and shrubs all around the place to "break up the monotony" of the car park.

Max Powers wrote: »

I can see it now, Tall Ships 2016 concert under the marquee...U2, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Prince, O-emperor... and Jedward

Don't forget Chris Doran

Godsentme

Jasus wouldn't it be fantastic to see all those Car parks taken off the Quay. Imagine what could be done with all the free space all the way frm the plaza up to the bridge. lots of greenary and little tasteful cafes and craft shops all along by the river. We could be the envy of Ireland.

CardBordWindow

Godsentme wrote: »

Jasus wouldn't it be fantastic to see all those Car parks taken off the Quay. Imagine what could be done with all the free space all the way frm the plaza up to the bridge. lots of greenary and little tasteful cafes and craft shops all along by the river. We could be the envy of Ireland.

.....or the laughing stock of Ireland. It just depends what they decide.

bullpost

Agreed but won't the Gasworks site suffer because of existing road system in that area?

Though if they introduced a new one-way system along the waterside it would probably be grand.

Godsentme wrote: »

Jasus wouldn't it be fantastic to see all those Car parks taken off the Quay. Imagine what could be done with all the free space all the way frm the plaza up to the bridge. lots of greenary and little tasteful cafes and craft shops all along by the river. We could be the envy of Ireland.

wellboytoo

It is only being short term leased from Bord gais and it has been totally cleaned, just for clarity, so it will be temporary works only.

Godsentme

Max Powers

fricatus wrote: »

I would suggest that you make some sort of submission on the subject, because no doubt some tosser of an architect will want to put in rockeries and shrubs all around the place to "break up the monotony" of the car park.

Yeah, would be handy to make a submission but i dont think anything about future concerts has been put into any proposed plans, who would you send it too also. In fact, i dont think anything concrete has been confirmed that it is going ahead in the first place, hopefully it does though.

Professey Chin

Godsentme wrote: »

Jasus wouldn't it be fantastic to see all those Car parks taken off the Quay. Imagine what could be done with all the free space all the way frm the plaza up to the bridge. lots of greenary and little tasteful cafes and craft shops all along by the river. We could be the envy of Ireland.

Ill be happy once they get the quay down to single lanes. Its like a spanner switch goes off in peoples brains when they realise theres 2 lanes

ex_infantry man

The Great Chinholio wrote: »

Ill be happy once they get the quay down to single lanes. Its like a spanner switch goes off in peoples brains when they realise theres 2 lanes

i think it,s gonna cause traffica chaos if its brought to a single lane! the single lanes outside the carpark on the quay just says it all if a person is turning right into city square there,s a huge tail back

Sully

Traffic volume on the quay indicates it needs to be two lanes. With buses, double parking, slow drivers, people walking across the road all the time etc.

wellboytoo

Sully wrote: »

Traffic volume on the quay indicates it needs to be two lanes. With buses, double parking, slow drivers, people walking across the road all the time etc.

But you don't have to pay for a big F*** off bridge and eleven kilometres of dual carriageway!:D

merlante

Sully wrote: »

Traffic volume on the quay indicates it needs to be two lanes. With buses, double parking, slow drivers, people walking across the road all the time etc.

References?

Sully

Head down most afternoons. There is your reference. :rolleyes:

merlante

Sully wrote: »

Head down most afternoons. There is your reference. :rolleyes:

First off, I'm not convinced two lanes are needed given the level of traffic. Secondly, the idea of traffic calming is to encourage people to use other routes. The Quay is convenient for motorists at the moment, rather than pedestrians. A lot of traffic are using the old N25 route rather than the bypass. If the Quay wasn't so convenient then the bypass would be more used, which is the whole point.

Looking at other cities around the world with nice quay areas, it's ridiculous the use that we make out of them. A car park and a dual carriageway! It's a joke and it has to end.

jayboi

Sully wrote: »

Traffic volume on the quay indicates it needs to be two lanes. With buses, double parking, slow drivers, people walking across the road all the time etc.

Jayboi Note

Please keep to the topic at hand.
I'll have no more of you derailing our threads, this thread is for the Rejuvenation plan for old gas works (Waterside) if you would like to talk about new traffic layout on the Quay please do so in the appropriate thread.

Thank you:pac:

Max Powers

Sully wrote: »

Traffic volume on the quay indicates it needs to be two lanes. With buses, double parking, slow drivers, people walking across the road all the time etc.

I think the 2 lanes at the moment are useless as, in typical Irish fashion, people think the kerb side lane is for double parking, effectively making it a one lane road anyway and more dangerous as people swerve to avoid cars parked in a traffic lane. Bring on the single lane, force trucks out onto bypass, better access for pedestrians to cross the road going in already.

edit......oops

batm!ke

I would have thought the two lanes were beneficial as, if you are driving towards the Tower, a lot of cars will be turning off (e.g. up Henrietta St.) into oncoming traffic which slows the whole thing down. I come from Bilberry every morning, and with the recent lane changes I'm getting caught in traffic where I wasn't before and having to watch cars fly up the left lane until it changes into one lane and they can try muscle their way in. It's even worse on my way home with all the fools who think they can park in the left lane (on the way to the bridge) to stop at Centra or whatever, not to mention the buses unloading bags and such outside the hotels. There should be proper parking spaces done for the buses first off and better regulation of people just abandoning cars to nip into shops.

Back on topic, the rejuvenation plan sounds great! Once the car parks are gone from the Quay the possibilities are endless for the space there! The traffic flow system will have to be a good one on Waterside then though.

Sully

merlante wrote: »

First off, I'm not convinced two lanes are needed given the level of traffic. Secondly, the idea of traffic calming is to encourage people to use other routes. The Quay is convenient for motorists at the moment, rather than pedestrians. A lot of traffic are using the old N25 route rather than the bypass. If the Quay wasn't so convenient then the bypass would be more used, which is the whole point.

Looking at other cities around the world with nice quay areas, it's ridiculous the use that we make out of them. A car park and a dual carriageway! It's a joke and it has to end.

Fair points. Id love to see an improved quay side but there is traffic to justify two lanes there at the moment. If its down to one (which it has been a lot lately) than it turns into mayhem because traffic laws are never enforced and people do what they want like Max above was saying.

Anyway, this is a separate discussion so ill leave at it that.

invalid

fricatus wrote: »

All very sensible stuff. I would suggest that you make some sort of submission on the subject, because no doubt some tosser of an architect will want to put in rockeries and shrubs all around the place to "break up the monotony" of the car park.

Don't forget Chris Doran

Chris who? As for "some tosser of an architect will want to put in rockeries" WCC consulted with members of the outdoor entertainment industry to ensure that everything that could do now, at design and build stage could be done is done. But first and foremost it will be a car park.