Thursday 5 July 2007

City’s quays set to become civic urban space

A PRIME section of Waterford’s city centre quays is in line to become a civic urban space, following the purchase of the land by the city council.

The 1.35 acre site close to the historic clock tower and used as a car park is likely to be turned into part of a European-style linear park, featuring plazas, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

The council’s acquisition, from the Port of Waterford after a sealed tendering process, is part of the strategic process put forward in the recently-published Project 2014 plan.

This document predicted greater development along both sides of the river Suir through Waterford.

The Waterford city bypass, including a second river crossing, is due to be completed in 2010 and will greatly reduce traffic along the south quays.

According to Project 2014, with increased use of integrated and high-frequency public transport and the provision of alternative locations for parking, the south quays are set to become a huge amenity area to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Commenting on the decision to acquire the riverside site from Port of Waterford, mayor of Waterford Cllr Mary O’Halloran said, “As we count down to our 1,100 year celebrations in 2014, there is a growing focus on the need to take greater account of the strengths we have and the river is very definitely a key asset that we have too often failed to capitalise on in the past.

“With this acquisition, we can now look with a greater degree of certainty at how future development of the south quays may be shaped in a way that turns our city towards rather than away from the river.”

City manager Conn Murray said that the site is “a key element of the ambitious vision that has emerged for how Waterford can develop in a more coherent way, that takes maximum advantage of the city’s excellent riverside location”.

Irish Examiner

No comments: