Mayo developer proposes €8.5m regeneration of landmark Castlebar centre site

A Castlebar developer proposes to invest over €8 million to regenerate a site in the centre of Mayo's county town with the construction of a 26 unit apartment block.

A planning application was lodged with Mayo County Council by Harold Conway to develop a mixed use scheme at the junction of Stephen Garvey Way and Mountain View in Castlebar, which will involve the construction of a 26 unit apartment block and a ground floor commercial unit.

The €8.5 million project will consist of the demolition of an existing vacant two storey dwelling house located on the busy junction close to the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre.

A part five storey 26 unit apartment block is proposed to be developed on 0.08 hectare the site which will consist of 13 one bedroom apartments and 13 two bed apartments to cater for up to 78 people on completion.

The proposed development was designed by Castlebar-based Taylor McCarney Architects and in the design statement, the architect states that the designs give particular attention to accessible living and the units are 'integrated seamlessly into the overall scheme to accommodate older residents and those with reduced mobility'.

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“The proposed development seeks to increase density in the area by providing housing on a key, centrally located site that benefits from extensive amenities and strong pedestrian accessibility. Special consideration has been given to the design of the external façade, ensuring a crafted architectural response that complements the existing built environment and contributes positively to the neighbourhood’s character.

“By offering a diverse apartment mix, the proposed scheme aims to create a vibrant and inclusive residential community, contributing positively to the social and urban fabric of the area,” the design statement read.

The architects also stated that the development explores the potential for higher density living while 'ensuring appropriate accessibility to public transport and aligning with the principles of good urban design'.

“The proposal enhances the character of the area, optimises the use of serviced land, and supports sustainable, compact growth. Its central location encourages walking and cycling, reducing reliance on cars and promoting sustainable living. By establishing a distinctive built form and identity, the scheme strengthens Castlebar’s urban character and will contribute positively to the ongoing evolution of the town’s fabric.” the design statement concluded.

In the planning statement submitted by Fintan Morrin of The Planning Partnership on behalf of the applicant, the scale of the proposed development was addressed where they stated that it would not 'lead to material negative effects'.

“We submit that the proposed development would not be reasonably considered to result in a negative visual impact, however even if it were, the net benefit to the town relative to planning policies and objectives must be given adequate weighting, as the status quo is not acceptable based on planning policies and objectives,” the planning statement read.

The site was subject to a previous planning application by a different applicant which was granted by Mayo County Council and upheld by An Bord Pleanála in January 2024. This application involved the demolition of the same two-storey building and the construction of a two-storey over basement building comprising two retail units at basement level, retail space at ground level and offices at first floor level.

Mr Morrin concluded in the planning statement that the ongoing national housing crisis justifies a 'presumption in favour of attracting more housing development, in the right location (such as the subject site), in keeping with the original masterplan for the subject site'.

Planning permission on the proposed development is expected to be delivered by Mayo County Council in the spring of next year.