By Emma Ryan
A PUBLIC consultation has been launched on the proposed development of Letterkenny Cultural Corridor which aims to create a vibrant Cultural Quarter in the town.
The project aims to improve the existing pathway and public spaces between An Grianán Theatre, the Regional Cultural Centre and Donegal County Museum.
The project focuses on the creation of a theatrical door-to-door experience to improve the sense of arrival between each cultural venue and to Letterkenny Tennis Club and Letterkenny Boxing Club.
It includes widening of existing pathways where possible as well as installation of public lighting and signage, improvements to John McLaughlin’s Way, artwork at the Boxing and Tennis Clubs to clearly identify the groups and better pedestrian and maintenance access to Letterkenny Tennis Club.
The project also includes a new, attractive and useable civic space at the front of An Grianán Theatre linking in with planned outdoor dining space, other moments for rest and public space along the route including amphitheatre seating near the Regional Cultural Centre and the Tennis Club, construction of a new short and direct pathway from the Regional Cultural Centre to the Museum on High Road and improvements at High Road to widen footpaths, slow traffic speeds and install a pedestrian crossing point.
The plans for the project are now available for public consultation through the Part 8 planning consent process and the public are invited to have their say.
Welcoming the public consultation on the project, the Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District, Cllr Kevin Bradley said it is an exciting project to improve the area around our three superb cultural venues and the Tennis and Boxing Club as well.
“It will improve pedestrian accessibility, upgrade existing public spaces that are already well used and give lots of opportunities for public art, festivals and gatherings.”
“I am delighted to reach this milestone to bring the proposed planning scheme to the public and I would encourage the whole community to view the plans and feedback comments during the consultation process,” said Cllr Bradley.
The planning scheme has been prepared in partnership between Donegal County Museum, the Regional Cultural Centre, An Grianán Theatre and Donegal County Council’s Regeneration and Development Team together with Pasparakis Friel Architects who were appointed in 2020 to create the original concept under the Irish Architectural Foundations ‘Reimagine’ programme.
Speaking about the project, Sosie Pasparakis of Pasparakis Friel Architects said, “The project unlocks latent potential by stitching together existing spaces to create a valuable cultural asset. We are excited about the social, cultural and economic benefits that it offers the immediate area and the wider town.’
Liam Ward, Director of Service for Community Development and Planning Services said, “Letterkenny Cultural Corridor is one of a number of regeneration proposals under the Letterkenny 2040 programme. It forms part of a wider scheme for walking, cycling and public realm infrastructure in Letterkenny town centre known as LK Green Connect, the first phase of which was officially opened in June this year.”
“The Cultural Corridor is therefore a highly important project in the Council’s vision to create a central spine of accessibility infrastructure to link existing and planned town centre destinations and make the town centre more walkable,” said Mr Ward.
The project is being progressed for submission to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for the funding support required for capital delivery.
The plans and drawings for the proposed development are available for public consultation until Thursday, November 9 2023.
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