PLANS to demolish Gleneany House in Letterkenny to make way for a major multi-use development would be a “huge boost” to the town, according to a local councillor.
An application has been lodged by M&B Kelly Partnership for the construction of six-storey and four-storey buildings which include 154 student bedrooms and 13 apartments. Retail units, a restaurant, an office and a new Baptist church will also form part of the ambitious project.
William Donoghue and Associates Ltd has been appointed to design the proposed redevelopment of Gleneany House.
Mr Donoghue said, “This proposal will provide essential high quality architecturally designed student accommodation which at the moment is at critically low levels in the town.
“In addition to the student accommodation the proposed development will also provide retail, restaurant, office, residential and a new Baptist church, providing a diverse mix of uses.”
The designer said the surrounding location, close to the Station Roundabout, was “under-utilised” at present and could be used to create an attractive plaza which would encourage pedestrian linkage from Tesco to the Pearse Road and to a wetlands park proposed as part of the Letterkenny 2040 Masterplan.
Mr Donoghue described the project as an “exciting, contemporary high-quality mixed-use development that contributes to the local environment”.
“This 240,000sqft scheme will provide a significant economic boost to the town of Letterkenny both during the construction phase and when the scheme is operational,” he said.
Welcoming the proposals, Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh said he was particularly pleased to see student accommodation included in the blueprints.
“The location for the student accommodation is ideal for the university and I certainly see it as a step in the right direction.
“From what I see from the plans the re-development is very easy on the eye and fits in well with the area.”
Councillor Kavanagh added that while the project was still at an early stage, he hoped the developers and Donegal County Council could work together to overcome any obstacles that may arise.
“It would give that area a huge boost and it will give the entire town of Letterkenny an economic lift,” he added.
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