Kilkenny Glanbia Factory To Rise Again

Contractors are to get a boost with news that a mixed-use development of shops, offices and homes at Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny is to replace an abandoned factory.

The detailed plans were approved by Kilkenny County Council to Comerway Developments Ltd in April for the construction of the mixed-use development at the former Glanbia factory site at High Street, Castlecomer.

Approval covers a single 'anchor' convenience store of 1,650 square metres gross floor area and 10 small to medium retail units including convenience, comparison and retail service outlets, all at ground floor.

The development will see the conservation of the existing Mill Building - a protected structure - and change of use to provide a cafe/restaurant at ground and first floor and gallery/multi-purpose exhibition space at second floor, with alterations and extension to the north including kitchen area; access and services.

According to the website www.unearthore.com salvage and all re-instatement on-site of equipment/materials of heritage value from the Mill Building and Glanbia Store will be included and landscaped public realm works will include a new plaza and courtyard; 11 office units at first and second floor; eight, three-bed duplex units at first and second floor and five, two-bed apartments at first and second floor.

A landscaped raised courtyard at first floor for residents is also included in the plans as well as a pedestrian and cyclist propriety connection with the town centre; bicycle stands; public car park; new access road and bridge from Ballinakill Road; vehicular access from junction of High Street and Chatsworth Row and all associated site development works will be provided.

The plans include demolition of the existing agricultural/industrial buildings and structures, excluding the Mill Building.

The architect is Axo Architects and the consulting engineer is Malone O'Regan Consulting while the planning consultant is Cunnane Stratton Reynolds.

(BMcC/GK)