Laois Tidy Towns group seeks to protect and retain traditional and original shopfronts and encourage new ones in Shopfront Design Guidelines

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns welcomed Ms Angela McEvoy, Director of Services with responsibility for Housing, Regeneration, and Planning Development and Control in Laois County Council to officially launch their Shopfront Design Guidelines.

Attended by over 30 representatives of local business and property owners the event, on Thursday, June 22 commenced with registration and presentation of a copy of the published shopfront design guidelines.

In his opening address. Robbie Quinn, Chairperson of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns welcomed everyone in attendance and in particular, welcomed them to the refurbished Morrissey’s Pub and Mrs Thorntons Refreshment Rooms.

He took time to acknowledge the great work that has been done over the previous 12 months and wished Dan, John, and all of the team continued success with their current and future plans for Morrissey’s. 

Before giving a brief background presentation on Abbeyleix he complimented and thanked all the businesses on their ongoing support and complimenting how many are currently presenting and maintaining their premises with pollinator friendly flowers and planters at the front of their premises.

A special thanks was given to Liam Hyland, for all his hard work and input in pulling the various strands of the publication together in such a timely manner. The result was now on show for all to see in the quality publication that will now stand the test of time as a reference document going forward.

Robbie then stressed that this booklet is purely aimed at raising awareness and it should  be used as a reference guide and not be seen as a decree or order.

He outlined how our shopfronts are one of the most important elements in defining the character, quality, and image of the town. In partnership with Laois County Council, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns are looking to protect and retain traditional and original shopfronts and looking to encourage new and contemporary shopfronts that are well designed.

The hope is that it will help to protect local character and foster a vibrant and successful town centre now and into the future and help premises owners make an informed decision if replacing, upgrading or maintaining their shopfront. 

To set the stage and help put everything in context for the attendees. Robbie then gave a brief background presentation on Abbeyleix and the current socio economic situation the town currently finds itself. He then requested Angela McEvoy to officially launch and talk about the importance of such a publication. 

Angela in her presentation highlighted the various elements of the guidelines and spoke about the towns origins, giving a brief historical account on the importance of the de Vesci Family intervention in moving the town to its current locations. How this led the town to prosper in it new location building up a vibrant trading sector around Market Square leading the town to expand over the years to what we have today.

She acknowledged that design inputs from the de Vesci family has left us with a wonderful town with a beautiful vernacular style of Architecture with fine period buildings that has stood the test of time.

Angela outlined how the traditional Irish Shopfront is a significant piece of Irish Architectural heritage and contributes enormously to the fabric and texture of every town and village, none more so than in Abbeyleix.

Shopfronts are one of the most important elements in determining the character, quality and perception of retail streets in towns and villages. Abbeyleix was fortunate that by working with Laois County Council, the received Heritage Town status, Protected Structures and has a Architectural Conservation Area plan in place to help preserve our built heritage.

By raising awareness and reinforcing the significance of the individual elements of the shopfronts and the value of well-considered materials, signage, lighting and security arrangements. it is hoped to further encourage a culture of high-quality shopfronts and retail design throughout the town when businesses plan refurbishment or any new business takes over a premises. 

The purpose of the guidelines, alongside the statutory development plans for Laois, is to encourage a discipline in this area based on clear principles of good shopfront design that provides for assistance to designers, retailers and planners alike in understanding and implementing these principles.

Every proposal to upgrade or replace a shopfront presents an opportunity to improve the appearance both of the buildings, to which the shopfront relates and the streetscape in which it sits. Laois County Council policy requires shop owners to consider the wider context in developing proposals in relation to their shopfronts. Before concluding Angela ran through the recommendations and guidelines contained within the guidelines.

The official part of the evening finished with a brief update on the recent success of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, a run through recent and future planned projects by Robbie Quinn, before he opened the floor to questions.

In his concluding remarks. Robbie suggested there may be scope for reforming a local business alliance grouping with so many vibrant and successful businesses in the room. Such an alliance would be of great help to both Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and Abbeyleix Bog and the great work they are doing in promoting Abbeyleix on the local, national, and international stage.

This work carried out by volunteers, leads to visitors coming to town which is of benefit to everyone. Before retiring for refreshments and networking opportunities. Robbie thanked his committee, tidy towns volunteers, CE Scheme, local volunteers, and the attendees again for their continued support of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

The evening ended with a serious of photos to mark the occasion thanks to Alf Harvey and The Leinster Express.

If you would like to receive a copy of the Shopfront Design Guidelines, email info@abbeyleixtidytowns.net using the shopfront guidelines in the header.