Opera Centre

Cookiemunster · 28-01-2026 01:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124187008#Comment_124187008

It won't be empty. Civil servants are either working hybridly or are full time in the office.

And as I already pointed out the OPW own the land the tower is being built on, are funding the build and will own the building once finished.

Also it's not correct to say that there are no residential units. It's a tiny number, but there will be 6 new apartments built at 6-7 Rutland St and the upper floors of the Georgian buildings on Patrick St are to be converted to apartments rather than the original plan of integration into the hotel.

Vanquished · 28-01-2026 11:44PM

Not even the bluffing and waffling capabilities of Limerick Council/Limerick 2030 executives will be able to deflect from this uncomfortable reality. Anyone not gullible enough to swallow the incessant spin and recycled grandiose statements surrounding "project opera" over the last 10 years won't be surprised.

It does highlight though that beyond the spoofing, the actual public communications from council and Limerick 2030 have been absolutely abysmal. There's never been any clarity around funding, the constantly missed target timelines or even updates around the progression of the various elements of the plan.

We're left relying on social media replies from Mayor Moran to provide some insight. He said last night that securing funding for the Library would be the biggest obstacle and that the loan repayments on the overall project would be big.

He also revealed that they're essentially going with the begging bowl to the Southern Regional Assembly to try and get some funding for the restoration/refurbishment of the 11 Georgian townhouses at the site. Great work lads, they'll be celebrating hitting 18 years of vacancy this summer!

www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/iconic-limerick-city-library-project-facing-massive-funding-shortfall/

mitresize5 · 29-01-2026 05:21PM

I had a quick read of the last few pages and all I can see is good old fashioned Irish negativity.

Its not perfect, it may take some time to get it full of tenants, there should have been more residential accommodation but it is certainly far better than the surface car park and falling down buildings that was there a short while ago.

Glenomra · 29-01-2026 10:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124190448#Comment_124190448

The completion of the first building, Opera one, is very significant. The construction of the 14 story OPW tower, full funded and leased, will be of the utmost importance for the city. If progress could be made with the proposed library and hotel\accomodation within a reasonable period of time things would be really 'motoring'.

HGVRHKYY · 30-01-2026 02:03AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124186201#Comment_124186201

All of that only accounts for 800 apartments, less than 1,000, are we supposed to be impressed by that and think it addresses the glaring housing disaster that people in the city are facing? And all of those are likely 3-5 years away knowing how we operate. The city centre needs thousands of new apartments to make a proper dent in the situation, and to increase the footfall to improve the centre. It is actually disgraceful that the opera centre contains hardly any apartments, any new development should be mixed purpose to increase the numbers of people living in all areas of the city.

nickytodds · 01-02-2026 12:28PM

Have heard that Whoop will be moving from gardens international to the currently empty building in the Opera centre. Also alleged the rent was lowered after many companies viewed and declined any space in there.

chicorytip · 03-02-2026 04:57PM

Has planning been approved for the redevelopment of the Cleeves site ? I note Sisk contractors are in there at the moment.

Cookiemunster · 03-02-2026 05:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124202794#Comment_124202794

No. That will be stabilisation work on the flaxmill building.

Hibernicis · 03-02-2026 07:59PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124202794#Comment_124202794

Nope. Observations gone to LTT’s agent for review by 19th Feb. ACP due to make a decision on the case by 6th May. If the decision is favourable it’s very likely to go down the JR route.

Brennans Row · 03-02-2026 08:39PM

Rob Cross posted this on X.

Sarsfield House office block in Limerick City is likely to be demolished, but wouldn't it be better to retrofit it and create 90–130 social and affordable apartments?

Retrofitting is cheaper and faster than demolition and new construction.

Plus, the greenest building is one that already exists.

Nice idea when the Revenue moves to the Opera Centre. 👍️

adaminho · 03-02-2026 08:44PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203363#Comment_124203363

It was built in 1971, I'd say that demolition and rebuild would make more sense even if it took longer.

phog · 03-02-2026 08:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203363#Comment_124203363

Much much easier make a building look better using software than actually retrofitting an old office block into accommodation

pigtown · 03-02-2026 09:00PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203363#Comment_124203363

I'm fairly sure the ceilings would be too low unfortunately. It'd be a great spot for apartments alright. I don't think it should be leveled and swapped for the Arthur's Quay rebuild like they have proposed

Cookiemunster · 03-02-2026 09:04PM

Yeah, the reason OPW are moving out is that the building is end of life and would cost too much to renovate. Sometimes it's cheaper to demolish and rebuild.

That's if the don't decide to demolish and turn the site into a recreational area, which was an option previously mooted.

breezy1985 · 03-02-2026 09:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203363#Comment_124203363

I don't believe you could make it look like that for cheaper than a new build especially if you want to make it affordable housing.

dave 27 · 03-02-2026 09:24PM

With the revenue moving from the building, it opens up that while land bank. Between Sarsfield Bridge and city hall the whole area can be utilised very soon to create something really spectacular.

Brennans Row · 03-02-2026 09:39PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203418#Comment_124203418

I did not know that about the ceiling height.

Are those appartments on the roof top as they were a later addition to the original building?

Cookiemunster · 03-02-2026 09:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203545#Comment_124203545

What land bank exactly? The Hunt Museum is between there and the Abbey River. And the Potato Market is on the other bank.

Hibernicis · 03-02-2026 10:22PM

Whether you like it or not, it's a building that has impact and is a lot less of an eyesore than many of its contemporaries. It's neither pretty not chic, but then not that many structures erected during the period from the 50s to the 70s when brutalism was in vogue were. The nasty sheds that were added at roof level in the 80s and the odd glass lean-to on Francis St elevation are both very unattractive. Haven't heard that there is anything wrong with its concrete structure so stripping it back and retrofitting it as apartments or a hotel could well be made to work, and avoid the environmental impact of demolition, waste disposal and rebuilding. Based on the use that's been made of the park on Arthurs Quay over the years, I'm not sure a like extension is what the city centre needs.

This architectural graduate did some work on it last year as part of her final year project.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DKuaxRfo5F0/

On the other hand, Brian Leddin suggested that it be repurposed which makes me suspect that it may actually be a dumb idea.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203545#Comment_124203545

With imagination it could indeed be spectacular, taking in the potato market, the square in front off St Mary's Cathedral and City Hall, the grounds at the rear of the Hunt etc, but would you trust LCCC to follow through and deliver ? I could see the building being demolished, left for a decade surrounded by manky hoarding and eventually covered with cheap pavers, those wheeled seat/table/planter things that have moved around the city a few times, a few silver birch or some other inappropriate planting leaving it to exist as a bleak and miserable gap in the streetscape.

Hibernicis · 03-02-2026 10:26PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203602#Comment_124203602

Are those apartments on the roof top as they were a later addition to the original building?

Added during the 80's. If you google it and look at images you should see a number of pictures without that awful addition. They ruined the integrity of the design.

breezy1985 · 03-02-2026 10:28PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203758#Comment_124203758

I don't think I have ever heard a proposed city centre park by a river be made sound so miserable.

If it just became a square of grass with some seats I would have no problem with that. Just join it to the park in the Hunt.

Hibernicis · 03-02-2026 10:34PM

Sarsfield House, Francis Street, Limerick, as it was being built and the final days of the building as seen today 1983 vs 2017

Picture from "Limerick City Citizens" Facebook, allegedly 1983

topcat72 · 05-02-2026 10:08AM

Normally i'd be keen on renovation and repurposing, but not with this building. ''Nuke it from space, it's the only way to be sure''.

In seriousness though, it blocks the view upriver towards the castle, its low, long, without any visible merit either visually, aesthetically or architecturally. It makes no concession to the space or site it's in. Hit many times with the ugly stick, especially beside the Hunt and the river.

I'd attack it myself with a small hammer, I dislike it so much. Second only to the equally horrible building that was levelled to make way for riverpoint.

DOWN WITH THIS SORT OF THING! Literally.

mart 23 · 03-03-2026 07:08PM

Anything above the hoardings at the Tower site.

Poxyshamrock · 03-03-2026 09:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124281918#Comment_124281918

Just about but nothing substantial.

martingriff · 09-03-2026 11:53PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124203363#Comment_124203363

I work there and it would cost less to completely knock it down and rebuild.

dunworth1 · 11-03-2026 09:30AM

The exact date of this is to be confirmed, however, with the transaction only going through after staff of the Revenue, who currently work in the building, move to a new state-of-the-art office in Opera Square.

This is currently under construction, and the Government’s memorandum says it is likely to be in 2029 when staff move, and the council deal goes through.

https://www.limerickleader.ie/news/business/2034440/state-planning-to-sell-limerick-s-tax-office-at-sarsfield-house.html

Cookiemunster · 11-03-2026 09:34AM

Good old Limerick Leader reprinting old news. This was confirmed months ago as part of the agreement to sell the site of the tower to the OPW.

Cookiemunster · 20-03-2026 12:56PM

According the the Councils February Executive Report, Limerick 2030 and the Council signed a contract with a hotel operator in early February and a photoshoot was done.

I don't know why nothing has been announced since then, but I've seen it said elsewhere that it's a 3 star hotel group. With Premier Inn expanding across the country it's most likely to be them.

breezy1985 · 20-03-2026 01:14PM

Premier Inn are great. Reasonable price but without being cheap and cutting corners.

Already building a second in Cork after the success of the first. It would be good to have our name listed on a busy hotel website.

Opera Centre

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