Multi-storey mixed use building proposed opposite TUS in Athlone
Proposals are underway for the development of a new multi-storey mixed use building on the Dublin Road in Athlone that will combine retail, apartments, a roof-top garden and onsite parking.
The plans, by Trevor Allen, for the site at Auburn, Dublin Road,, Kilmacaugh (Cooke), Athlone, involve the demolition of two two-storey buildings and the development of 21 apartments and six retail units in a part 3, part 4 and part 5 storey mixed-use building.
The building would be located directly across from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), at the current site of The Good Cafe, Asian Foods Store, and Pat Smith Craft Butcher, which will be demolished to make way for the new structure. The site also includes a vacant residential development to the west.
A planning application was lodged on December 12 for the project.
The proposed plans indicate that the new development will have a height of between three to five storeys instead of the current two-storey buildings, which include "vacant flats" above the retail units.
In the new block, the ground floor will feature five retail units, an onsite covered carpark with 18 spaces, and a bike shed, as well as loading bays on the street.
The upper floors will feature 21 residential units, including two one-bed apartments, 16 two-bed apartments, and three three-bed apartments. As required by the local planning authority, 20% of the units will be assigned to social housing.
The first floor will feature an outdoor garden/patio area above the carpark, which will include a games table, seating areas and planters. This area will be accessible by the public as well as residents of the building.
The elevation will be gradually stepped down from the east side of the building, from two apartments on the fourth floor and five on the third to seven apartments on both the first and second floors.
In a design statement submitted as part of the development, agents for the applicant said the the design of the proposal started from the increase in need for accommodation in the rapidly expanding town.