This scheme aims to transform the area into a highly sustainable and integrated new urban quarter adjoining to the town centre of Athlone. This updated proposal was informed by earlier consultations and analysis of the site and wider area.
Westmeath County Council secured funding for the project from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which is provided to support sustainable development, as set out in Project Ireland 2040.
David Jones, Director of Services, Westmeath County Council commented: "We are delighted to publish the Loughanaskin Masterplan concept which is the result of a sustained period of community and stakeholder engagement and progressive design process delivered by a multi-disciplinary team of experts. This future vision for Loughanaskin will deliver a best-in-class employment destination balanced by a vibrant new urban living quarter that will transform and futureproof this area of Athlone."
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Public consultation on the updated Masterplan has also been launched, and will include an in-person public exhibition which will take place on Thursday 26 May from 3pm – 7pm in the Athlone Civic Centre. Visitors will be able to browse the Masterplan concept proposals and engage with members of the design team.
Members of the public are invited to take part in the consultation by completing a short survey on the Masterplan proposals at www.loughanaskin.ie. The survey will close on Thursday 09 June 2022.
The regeneration-led Masterplan incorporates a number of key design components including provision for a new commercial zone that will feature state-of-the-art, flexible and mixed-use commercial office spaces to accommodate a variety of occupiers. A residential zone is also featured within the design concept offering a mix of urban house types to help diversify local housing provision.
Additional features within the Masterplan includes the development of a high quality landing space comprising recreation and amenity space, a distinctive 'green route' through the site providing a pedestrian friendly connection between the Town Centre and Old Rail Trail greenway, the development of St Mary's Gateway which will be a new entrance space to Loughanaskin including community and cultural uses, and a number of active ground floor uses as part of the residential and commercial zones.
Seamus Donohoe, Director at the project's Planning consultancy, Turley, commented: "The launch of the Loughanaskin Masterplan marks an exciting milestone for Athlone as it signals confidence in the wider town area as a prime investment location. We look forward to engaging with the local community once more and listening to their views on the proposed future design for Loughanaskin as Westmeath County Council take a significant step forward in realising the site’s development ambition."
