‘Enhancement rather than transformation’ of Castlebar’s Mall proposed

Castlebar locals have strong feelings about The Mall and the elephant in the room has been addressed straight-away by the design team behind the Masterplan for The Mall.

Local conservation architect, Niall Taylor of Taylor McCarney Architects, was clear that the Mall will “always be a parkland.”

He was speaking at the Open Evening on the Mall Regeneration Masterplan, organised by Mayo County Council, which took place in The TF Royal Hotel on Wednesday.

The public consultation process for the regeneration of Castlebar's historic Mall has received more than 100 public submissions presenting views that project leaders say are "far more balanced" than social media discourse might suggest. The consultation period is now extended until December 4.

Speculation

The original announcement of the public consultation for the council’s Masterplan for The Mall caused a big stir in the county town, with a lot of speculation on whether there would be a new plaza or if The Mall would turn into the equivalent of Eyre Square in Galway.

However, the project, which has a budget of just over €1 million allocated under historic core funding, is about enhancement rather than transformation, David Mellet, Head of Castlebar Municipal District with Mayo County Council outlined.

Project leaders have identified drainage near the Methodist Church and tree replacement as immediate concerns, emphasising a philosophy of fixing existing problems rather than implementing major new features.

The design team has stressed their commitment to maintaining the Mall's historical integrity while enhancing its functionality, conducting extensive research into cartographical and photographic records to inform their approach to the 18th-century parkland, often referred to as "the lungs of Castlebar."

Cllr Ger Deere addressed concerns among some residents about potential over-modernization.

“I think people have the wrong idea that we're going to turn the Mall into something really modern. I don't think that'll happen,” he said. “There's a little bit of hysteria that it's going to be turned into something real modern that won't suit the whole thing, but I hope that won't happen.”

The councillor expressed confidence in the design team and Mayo County Council's approach.

“I don't think it will, going by the people I talked to and the people that are designing it, and the council in particular. The Taylor architects have a vested interest in the town,” he said.

More controversial elements, including increased hard surfacing, covered gathering spaces, or what some have termed a "bandstand," remain under consideration but are not currently designed or budgeted for. These items have been categorized as "yellow" or uncertain priorities requiring further assessment and community input.

Community ambition

Cllr Deere referenced the long-held community ambition for such a facility.

“I know they've been trying for a long time, 50 years or more, to get a bandstand, but maybe something along those lines - some sort of meeting spot where people could play music,” he explained, noting the Mall's potential role in hosting local festivals.

The design team expects to digest public submissions through early 2025, with a preferred design reflecting community feedback anticipated by spring or summer next year, followed by another round of public consultation.

The Mall regeneration will be coordinated with other town centre developments, including the Ellison Street backlands, the barracks conversion, and the Imperial Hotel renovation, which has €7 million in funding allocated. The Ellison Street properties development, featuring social housing units with a new archway connection to Cavendish Lane, is expected to begin construction in 2027 pending resolution of technical issues.

Cllr Deere emphasised the importance of seizing the opportunity for improvement. “We can't miss an opportunity to upgrade it because we have to secure it for future generations to enjoy,” he said, while stressing the importance of maintaining the tree line as part of any improvements.

View plans and submit your feedback online: consult.mayo.ie

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme