By Dan Walsh
New Ross Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Sheehan has welcomed the submission by Wexford County Council and the New Ross Municipal District, which will result in the complete refurbishment of the John Street Grain Store in the town.
Cllr Sheehan said: “The project is beyond my expectations and sets out our ambitions for the next generation of New Ross,” and he added; “This is a flagship project for New Ross and for our county, and if it is granted planning permission, this will be a landmark building for New Ross – a beacon of light and hope.”
The project will be developed in two phases: the grain store and the public realm area outside by the river. It is expected the grain store will be five stories: three above and two below ground connecting Bridge Street, North Street and the North Quays.
The Public Realm has to be screened for environmental protection but once completed, will connect the North Quays (which are due to be upgraded) the Greenway, John Street Carpark, the Town Centre and the Active Travel Route out onto the Ring Road.
The first phase includes: A new restaurant inside and pavilion outside for dining by the river in a public square; A suite of hot desks and professional offices for people to work; A new art and community open exhibition space with state of the art features on the street level access; A range of rooms for community and Council usage; An internal gallery for usage with coffee docks and public toilets; A mezzanine garden and sitting area overlooking the river; A beacon that will be casting a light over the whole area, and the development will use materials that reflect the historic nature of the building and the stonework to reflect the quayside nature of the area
The second phase which will go for planning concurrently, may take a little more time due to the Riverside nature of the park, which have public realm seating and dining areas with natural heading and plants that will connect the North Quays, Town Centre, Goat and High Hill and lead up into the car park and the Active Travel route.
Cllr Sheehan said; “I, like my colleagues, have be pushing to get this project over the line since 2017. As County and District Chairman I kept it high on the agenda and I’m delighted to see it proceeding to planning”. This will be an amazing feature for New Ross and shows what can be achieved when our expectations and ambitions are aligned.”
“At the recent meeting where it was passed unanimously, I congratulated all the officials involved and pledged now to ensure its success in the forthcoming rounds of funding. This is the future of New Ross,” concluded Cllr Sheehan.
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