“Visionary, ambitious, and creative” future envisaged for Athlone

A series of projects which could shape the future of Athlone has been detailed in a hugely-ambitious framework plan launched by Westmeath County Council just before Christmas.

The Athlone Urban Design and Regeneration Framework was compiled by Turley, in association with a multi-disciplinary team, and in collaboration with Westmeath County Council’s (WCC) and Athlone’s community and stakeholders.

The framework, which runs to 188 pages, is described as being “visionary, ambitious, and creative” in the design of new propositions for Athlone.

While the projects outlined are purely aspirational, they give the public a glimpse of what the rapidly-growing town of Athlone could look like in years to come, should they come to fruition.

Here we focus on just six of the projects contained in the document, and it is important to point out that all of the imagery used in the Framework is for “illustration purposes only” and does not represent development proposals.

1

Greenway/Blueway Junction and Boardwalk

The aim of this project is to connect Athlone's cultural and historic assets by engaging with local arts and culture groups and creating new outdoor spaces which should be “flexible, adaptable and designed to support temporary/seasonal uses”. This project will also create waterfront and on-water experiences, and develop and enhance cultural trails and eco trails.

2

Cultural Square, High Street, Athlone

This project focuses on the Connaught Street area of Athlone and is part of a plan to establish a “distinctly unique character” for the area, which has already been earmarked as the Tourism and Cultural Quarter of Athlone.

The proposed Cultural Square on High Street would form part of a network of communal spaces, which would also include coloured paving; street art; lighting installations; the re-purposing of vacant buildings as community facilities; and public realm elements such as street furniture, awnings, signage and utility boxes which could also integrate public art.

3

Market Square

The Framework describes Market Square as “an underutilised strategic site” which is currently in use as a carpark having historically been the” central market space” in the centre of Athlone.

The Market Square project presents an opportunity to “enhance and celebrate” the setting of Athlone’s most distinctive built heritage and tourism destinations; framed by Athlone Castle, the Luan Gallery and the Church of Saints Peter & Paul, according to the Framework, which envisages the area acting as “a gateway” to Athlone's Tourism and Cultural Quarters.

Among the projects envisaged for the area is the creation of a public square that can facilitate events such as markets; arts/cultural performances; installations and festivals.. Soft landscaping and feature lighting is also mentioned in the Framework, along with pedestrian priority in the area and enhanced public spaces “inclduing consideration of a bus gate”.

4

Connaught Gardens

This project seeks to create “an inviting and peaceful sanctuary” within the urban landscape of Athlone by acting as a pedestrian/cyclist link and biodiversity corridor between Athlone Canal and the River Shannon.

The planting of native trees, shrubs and hedging is envisaged to support biodiversity, along with the creation of “pedestrian priority” gateways at the junction of Connaught Street/Connaught Gardens and also at the junction of Pearse Street/Ganly Place.

The Framework also says there is an opportunity to “open the grounds” of the Corpus Christi Church and to highlight the historical headstones in soft landscaped areas.

5

The Strand

Described as “a prime waterfront site” within the historical core of Athlone, the Framework says The Strand has the potential to unlock “major development” at this location.

The plan envisages redevelopment of the site on a phased basis, with Phase 1optimising the use of this prime site to facilitate “an active waterfront” with the creation of a public square as a hard and soft landscaped area. This new square could be used for public events and for active tourism facilities such as bike rental. Public realm enhancement works are also envisaged along Lloyd's Lane; Friary Lane; Griffith Street; The Strand and Wolfe Tone Terrace.

Phase 11 would see potential regeneration at Barrett Street with compact residental/mixed used development which would be designed to optimise the site's waterfront location.

6

Weir Walkway

The weir crossing point connects Burgess Park to the west side of Athlone, and the aim of the project in the Framework is to “further enhance connections” across the River Shannon, such as the ecological green spaces of the Big Meadow and Burgess Park, while also contributing to the network of green links.

While the Framework says this proposal is “subject to detailed design” in collaboration with Waterways Ireland, it adds that it would bring “added value to the tourism offering in Athlone.

The design concept for the Weir Walkway is based on the successful delivery of Meelick in Offaly, according to the Framework document.