Diversity the key to future of Galway city centre according to plan

Diversity will continue to be the driving force of a vibrant city centre area over the next decade, according to the recently published City Development Draft Plan.

The mix of retail, social, tourism and cultural activities has already helped the city centre area to having “remained relatively buoyant” during the economic downturn of recent years, according to the planners.

“The diversity of uses in the city centre including commercial, residential, educational, cultural, entertainment, community, uses relating to tourism and the expanding cafe culture, has contributed to the vitality and atmosphere of the city centre.

“It is important to retain this mix of uses, which gives the city an energy and vitality. Such a balance is needed as trends towards a reduced mix, where some uses can predominate, would diminish the attraction of the city centre and its distinction from other places,” the Plan states.

Over the coming years, the principal shopping streets will continue to be the focus of retail development and in order to protect that prime function, non-retail uses will be discouraged at ground floor level, the Plan outlines.

The Development Plan will also encourage the policy of people living in the city centre area through “a range of innovatively designed residential units” many of them located within mixed use retail developments.

“As well as creating new neighbourhoods, the Plan recognises the importance of the established city centre communities, such as those at Woodquay, Henry Street and Bowling Green.

“Planning policy will continue to protect these areas from the encroachment of commercial activity and will enhance the residential amenity of these areas through environmental improvements,” the Plan outlines.

It says that the “rich and varied mix” of social, community, visitor/cultural facilities and heritage features, is an important asset that adds significantly to the character of the city centre area.

“Initiatives such as the development of the Latin Quarter branding and securing the Purple Flag Award for excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy, promote the city centre as an attractive and safe destination,” Chapter 10 of the City Plan states.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.