€200m Crown Square plans revised

Revised plans have been drawn up for the hotel element of the proposed €200 million scheme to restart work on the Crown Square site in Mervue.

The design changes were made after the City Council raised concerns that the 175-bed hotel should “enhance the interaction with the public realm” and differ in style from the five office blocks.

Last November, Padraic Rhatigan of Crown Square Developments Ltd, applied to the Council for permission for the first phase of his plans for the 12.6-acre site, which includes the office blocks and hotel with conference facilities. The office element alone would cater for a total workforce of 3,150 people.

Phase 2 of the plans will involve 286 ‘build to rent’ apartments; gym; medical centre and pharmacy; café and local convenience store and that application will be made directly to An Bord Pleanála under Strategic Housing Development ‘fast-tracking’ legislation.

However, Phase 1 hit a stumbling block when city planners said the development would not comply with current fire safety requirements “in particular with regards to means of escape; atrium voids protection; carpark fire protection and access for appliances”.

In January, Mr Rhatigan was told to address the issues and liaise with Galway Fire and Rescue Service before submitting a response.

The developer was also been told to liaise with the Council’s Transport Department and warned that modifications may be required in the site “to enhance the potential for sustainable transport measures including public transport facilities”.

The Council required “detailing of likely levels of employment occupancy and if feasible, schedule of work patterns” to help with its assessment.

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

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