€1m. plan for Mayo green showpiece will focus on enhancement - not change
The design team involved in preparing a masterplan for The Mall, Castlebar, has stated that the emphasis is solely on enhancement - not transformation.
Niall Taylor of Taylor McCarney Architects said his firm is rooted in the values of conservation - and the environment of the county town's showpiece will be safeguarded when the plan is finalised followed consultation processes.
In response to social media claims of possible significant changes at the location, Mr. Taylor said he and his staff are firmly focussed on protecting the space for future generations.
"We want the people of the town to be fully behind us when we produce the final draft next summer.
"As one local business person said to me: 'Fix what's broken'. The Mall is the lungs of Castlebar and will remain for a long time to come."
A sum of €1 million is allocated for the project and the immediate priorities are:
* Upgrading uneven footpaths damaged by tree roots.
* Address poor lighting in some area.
* Address draining and maintenance concerns.
* Reduce traffic and parking around the Mall with suggestions for pedestrianisation.
Over 100 submissions have been received from the public to date in regard to the proposed masterplan and the deadline has been extended to December 4.
Other suggestions for improvements include the following:
* More seating and picnic tables, including sheltered options.
* Improved accessibility with wider paths and tactile paving.
* Biodiversity measures such as native planting and pollinator-friendly areas.
* Heritage interpretation through plaques, QR codes and reinstating historical features.
* Sensitive, period-style lighting and CCTV for safety.
David Mellett, head of the Castlebar Municipal District, said the enhancement of the Mall and Green seeks to address practical concerns like drainage, damaged footpaths and ageing infrastructure while protecting what people love about the Mall.
"The ongoing consultation is part of a broader vision to revitalise the town centre, ensuring that the Mall continues to serve as a vibrant, accessible and cherished green space for generations to come.
"This is a non-statutory consultation at the very first stage of the process. There is no draft design being proposed at this stage.
"The material on display simply outlines some of the issues identified and offers notional ideas for discussion.
"The goal is to listen to the community and gather views on what is needed and, equally, what is not.
"While some commentary on social media and in the local press suggests large-scale changes and loss of green space, this is not the case.
"The consultation is about modest improvements and communities, not major redevelopment.
"The Mall's historical and cultural importance, along with its green character and biodiversity, will remain central to any future proposals."
The masterplan is one element of a broader regeneration strategy for Castlebar town centre, supported by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
Other project include:
* Restoration and reuse of the Imperial Hotel and adjacent derelict buildings.
* Works at the Military Barracks and backlands at Ellison Street.
* Residential regeneration projects at Ellison Street, Barrack Street and Newtown as well as the recently-completed improvements at Lower Charles Street.