An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for a new student village in Limerick city.
Last December, Cloncaragh Investments Ltd put forward plans for 30 build-to-rent apartments and another 68 separate apartments at the junction of Punches Cross, with 104 bedspaces in total.
The construction will see the initial demolition of all existing derelict structures on the site.
A street-front four-storey plus recessed penthouse (culminating in six storeys) will be erected in its place.
Operating as student accommodation, the first building will have 54 apartments in the arrangement of 3,4,5,and 6-bedroom configurations.
It will also offer communal facilities including dining rooms, social activity rooms which could provide a gym and cinema/games room.
Last December, Cloncaragh Investments Ltd put forward plans for 30 build-to-rent apartments and another 68 separate apartments at the junction of Punches Cross, with 104 bedspaces in total. Credit: OCA Architects
Two ancillary retail units 105.6m2 and 99m2 are also proposed for the building as well as a reception and social areas on the ground and first floor.
Another building to the rear of the courtyard is also planned.
Measuring up to five plus penthouse to seven, it will have 14 student apartments in 5 bedroom configuration. A further 30 build-to rent apartments are also in the apartment – 10 one-beds, 18 two-beds and two three-beds.
At the basement level, more social activity rooms are envisioned which would be suitable for yoga, aerobics and general social use.
Laundry facilities, a total of 76 car spaces for apartments, staff and visitors, a storage area for 326 student bikes and a further separate storage for 50 more bicycles.
Operating as student accommodation, the first building will have 54 apartments in the arrangement of 3,4,5,and 6-bedroom configurations. Credit: OCA Architects
In courtyard gardens of 1,486m2, there will be spaces for 48 bicycles and a separate rear courtyard garden of 450m2.
An Bord Pleanála (ABP) approved Cloncaragh Investments Ltd’s bid subject to 29 conditions.
This includes that the 68 apartments will only be used for students in third-level education.
The car parking layout must be resubmitted and allow up to 50 cars to park on the site.
The communal open spaces must be maintained by a management company.
And a minimum of 10% of car parking spaces must provide an electric vehicle charging station.
This is the third time Cloncaragh Investments Ltd have put forward applications to build on the long-vacant site.
This is the third time Cloncaragh Investments Ltd have put forward applications to build on the long-vacant site. Credit: OCA Architects
Although ABP had initially quashed their first application, they gave the go-ahead in their second resubmission.
However, a challenge from Environment Trust Ireland (ETI) put this to a halt after argued that the site on the former quarry and petrol station was “contaminated” due to “corroded underground fuel storage tanks”.
High Court judge Mr Justice David Holland made the decision to reject ABP’s decision following failure to pass on a project submission to Limerick’s planning authority in a timely manner.
After recirculating the submission and reconsidering the application, ABP has once again given its approval.
