Draft masterplan for Blackhall area expected in November

A draft masterplan for the major regeneration scheme in the pipeline for the Blackhall area of Mullingar is likely to be ready by November, members of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad (MDMK) heard at their October monthly meeting.

Deirdre Ryan, regeneration projects manager with Westmeath County Council, said that Savills Commercial (Ireland) Ltd were appointed on July 31 to deliver the urban design, economic and masterplanning consultancy services for the lands at Blackhall.

As well as the draft masterplan, an urban design and economic feasibility report is expected in November, Ms Ryan said.

At present, she continued, there are enabling works ongoing to secure the site. “There will be activity in the area over the next few months, with ecology surveys, archaeology, topographical surveys and possibly ground investigations to inform the masterplan,” she said, adding that discussions have commenced with CIÉ, IDA and others.

Ms Ryan assured the council that a public consultation will be held via the council’s online portal as the scheme progresses.

Canal Avenue

The second regeneration project planned for Mullingar is for the Canal Avenue area and its environs. At present, the council is assessing tenders submitted from firms applying to handle the design and masterplanning services for the project, Ms Ryan said.

“A preferred consultant will be appointed by end of November 2020,” she stated.

Continuing, Miss Ryan told councillors that The Canal Avenue and Environs Regeneration Project seeks to comprehensively redevelop and rejuvenate the area by creating a sustainable and integrated residential quarter which supports and encourages economic, social and community development, and maximises connectivity to and enhancement of both the River Brosna and the Royal Canal.

“The prevalence of both vacant properties and under-utilised brownfield lands within this neighbourhood presents a unique opportunity to introduce a new coherent urban structure to this area, thus enabling increased integration with the commercial core of the town and the opportunity to increase the residential profile of this area,” she said, adding that land acquisition is progressing on this project.

A welcome for the Blackhall project came from Cllr Mick Dollard, who asked if there were any land acquisition requirements. Miss Ryan replied that there were no further lands required for Blackhall, but that the council does need to acquire further lands for the Canal Avenue plans, and negotiations in this regard have begun.