Autumn start for redevelopment of former Mayo convent
WORKS could start on the redevelopment of the old convent in Westport this autumn.
The building is to become home to a new library, council offices, community rooms and social services headquarters.
Confirmation that the redevelopment of the site will be published on eTenders before the end of February has been welcomed by Deputy Michael Ring.
He set out: “I am pleased to learn that all environmental assessments, design work and technical specifications for services, etc., have been completed for this project and the Stage 1 (pre-qualification of contractors) will be published on eTenders before the end of February.
“It is anticipated that Stage 2 (financial tender) will then issue following short-listing of contractors from Stage 1 and approval by the Department of Rural and Community Development once they have reviewed the pre-tender estimate which will be submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development before the end of February.”
Once this has been formally approved, a four-month period for submission and assessment of tenders will follow so if all goes as planned, it is anticipated that a tender would be awarded by July/August, he explained.
Said Deputy Ring: “I am pleased to see significant progress being made on this project. All going according to plan, works should be ready to start in autumn 2024.
“This is very welcome news as, when completed, this will be a wonderful development for the town of Westport. It will rejuvenate this area of the town.”
PROGRESS
Councillor Peter Flynn said there has been significant progress on a number of projects in Westport.
Along with the tender above, councillors have also received welcome news that planning for 16 age friendly homes on the convent grounds will be lodged in the coming weeks. This will be done in partnership with Tuath Housing Agency.
Councillors have also approved the draft Westport Local Area Plan (LAP), making 19 significant changes, including the following:
Zoning - dezoned land on the Lodge Road until a proper footpath with street lights is completed.
Zoning - returned Springfield Drive football pitch back to recreation use only but approved land banks for residential use close by.
Housing - prioritised affordable housing and affordable serviced sites.
Housing - extended LAP boundary from Ardmore Road to Belclare junction.
Housing - included objective to allow housing on any fully serviced land within the LAP for sons/daughters of local families and people who are in full-time jobs within the LAP area.
Westport Quay - included master plan for the area.
Parking - objective to build a dedicated coach parking area and a 'park and stride' carpark on the edge of town.
All of the proposed changes will go back before the public for their input over the next four weeks.
Said Councillor Flynn: “Hopefully all of this will lead to significant and well overdue progress for Westport.”