Abbey Quarter Partnership seeking to acquire new development site from Diageo in Kilkenny

The Abbey Quarter Development Partnership are currently in negotiations to purchase a site of approximately 23,000 square feet from brewing giants Diageo.

The site in question is located adjacent to the city courthouse, at the entrance to the Abbey Quarter.

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On the site is the former engineering building that formed part of Smithwick's Brewery when it was in operation, as well as the old paint store.

The Abbey Quarter Development Partnership are seeking to refurbish the engineering building to provide 12,744 square feet of office space.

The paint store lands are planned to facilitate the development of a gateway building to the Abbey Quarter.

The acquisition proposal was put to the elected members of Kilkenny County Council at his month's full council meeting in County Hall.

Cllr David Fitzgerald proposed that the council proceed with the development plans, and his proposal was seconded by Cllr Eugene McGuinness.

Cllr Fitzgerald stated that it was 'his pleasure' to propose the acquisition.

Cllr Eugene McGuinness said he 'had no problem seconding'.

"This delivery of public realm will be fantastic for everyone in Kilkenny," he said. "This plot of land is essential to the whole development."

There were no voices of opposition to the development, however Cllr Maria Dollard did raise a point to council officials about procedural issues.

"I might be the fly in the ointment," she said, "but this was the first I heard about it today."

"When voting on three and half million of taxpayer’s equity, I'd expect to have the figures in front of us well in advance of the meeting."

Her point was noted by the council officials.

FURTHER ABBEY QUARTER PROGRESS

The Brewhouse building is now fully occupied with three tenants.

The new city library at the Mayfair site is expected to be complete in Q3 of 2023.

The new urban street and park is to commence construction in Q4 of 2023, with a target completion date of Q2, 2025.

Planning permission for an adjacent building to The Brewhouse (42,000 square feet) is now subject to referral to An Bord Pleanála.

Total expenditure to date by Kilkenny County Council is approximately €10.84 million.