2020 Vision for Athy - Entire Document - Kildare.ie

Regarding commercial and retail development the recommendations as set out below are broadly consistent with
the findings of the Urban Design Study by Shaffrey Associates Architects, 1999. Figure 9.2 represents a synthesis
of the Shaffrey Report and proposals of this Integrated Framework Study.
In consolidating commercial and retail development the form and layout of the expanded town centre should be
concentrated on mixed use development with primarily retail uses and other front door commercial activities on
ground floor, with offices such as solicitors and insurance on first floor.
Leinster Street/Duke Street and Inner Relief Street
In line with the aim to consolidate the central retail and commercial core centre of the town it will be crucial to
actively facilitate the consolidation of retailing along Leinster Street/Duke Street and to avoid unnecessary
competition from new retailing along the Inner Relief Street. It will be important that new or redeveloped buildings
ensure a high quality design with respect to the existing streetscape with encouragement of tourism-related retail
and commercial facilities to increase attractiveness of the town to visitors.
Along the Inner Relief Street larger units should be encouraged, which would not otherwise be accommodated on
the small premises prevailing along the existing main street. The Inner Relief Street will open up various sites for
retailing and other commercial opportunities such as offices and apartments. It is recommended to create a varied,
attractive streetscape with a succession of civic spaces with differing character and for various activities such as
walking, skateboarding, shopping, markets etc. A major site is located to the eastern end of the Inner Relief Street,
where a large retail development/ anchor store can be accommodated. Emily Square should remain at the heart of
the town, by creating an attractive public square focussed on the architectural heritage of the Square and the River
Barrow and by removing the vehicular traffic. Another major opportunity site is located around and across from
the Dominican Church. Development in this part of the Inner Relief Street can be focussed on additional
community, cultural and leisure facilities like a cinema, gallery or theatre.
In general, new buildings along the Inner Relief Street should be 3-4 storeys high and create a distinct road
frontage. A strong mix of various uses, retailing, offices, cultural facilities and apartments, will ensure the
vibrancy of this new street at any time of the day. It will be crucial to provide various pedestrian linkages between
Leinster Street/ Duke Street and the Inner Relief Street.
Cinema Site
Due to the location of this site on the periphery of the town centre a substantial retail element is not desirable.
However, this site is important because of its gateway function at the east of the town, in immediate proximity of
the railway station. Furthermore it will be crucial to find an appropriate design scheme, which could include
offices and apartments.
Convent Site in Stanhope Place
This site is zoned for commercial development in the current Development Plan. Because of its location to the
north of the Main Street a mix of offices and apartments in a 3-4 storey building is recommended, since additional
retailing should predominantly locate along Leinster Street/ Duke Street and the Inner Relief Street.
Triangle
The Triangle, due to its prominent location between river and canal, has
great potential for an attractive inner-town apartment development
intermixed with some offices and a few commercial units on ground floor
level, in particular along the Inner Relief Street and close to the new
bridge, along the river.
Retailing on the site will be limited to road frontages at the Inner Relief
Street and to waterfront units along the river containing tourist orientated
uses such as cafés and restaurants. Such uses should also dominate along
the western riverfront between Cromaboo Bridge and the new river
crossing. Parts of the Triangle site can be used for offices, in particular
along the Inner Relief Street and the new civic space at the church.
Athy IFPLUT Study 97 Final Report December 2004