Laois Council sets out to realise jobs, housing and social potential of 'strategic' Abbeyleix site

Laois County Council has taken steps to realise housing and employment ambitions for public and private land on a prime site in Abbeyleix that includes a facility for people with disabilties. 

The local authority's Housing, Regeneration and Planning sections want to contract suitably qualified and experienced professionals to prepare a Masterplan for lands behind the town's fire station between the Portlaoise Road (N77) and the Ballyroan Road (R425).

In its tender invite local authority says the site includes public and privately owned lands. It is zoned for housing, enterprise and employment uses in the Laois County Development Plan.

The tender document seen by the Leinster Express / Laois Live says the Masterplan will assist in the development and delivery of the most effective presentation of a number of uses within the confines of the zonings permitted.

The council also wants this Masterplan to develop an appropriate framework and means of guiding new development and services in a "coherent and sustainable manner". The council adds that the Masterplan will be an advisory and "non-statutory"  document to help itself and developers in maximising what's referred to as "this strategic landbank".

County Hall has outlined some key components in the Masterplan. It wants the blueprint to come up with proposals to "enliven and rejuvenate" the edge of the centre of Abbeyliex and to improve "synergy between the Masterplan site and the town centre.

The plan will also have to outline a way to realise the residential potential of the site. The creation of employment opportunities is also required.

The successful bidders will be asked to create a road network to service the property as well as the developing walking and cycling infrastructure to connect the Ballyroan and Portlaoise Roads.

The council says the Masterplan should set out new road access onto the N77 catering for the entire landbank.

Another central element is the provision of community facilities with the Laois branch of Down Syndrome Ireland which said previously that it had secured lands in Abbeyleix for its ‘Field of Dreams’. It would include a sheltered employment training centre for adult members with intellectual difficulties. It is also hoped that this centre will be a hub for therapies and supports for members to augment employment training. MORE BELOW MAP.

Land bank within the red border.

Another component required in the Masterplan is the creation of a public realm which the Council says integrates into the built and natural environment acknowledging the heritage status of Abbeyleix.

The Council says an element of public consultation will be expected throughout the plan. The local authority said the outcome should stimulate interest and provide guidance for potential housing bodies, residents, developers, Heritage groups, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, and other interested parties.

Read also: More CPOs of vacant Laois properties promised by Laois County Council

The indicative budget for the Masterplan contract is in the range of €25,000- €35,000.  The Council anticipates the contract in time for the successful bidders to begin work in April with a view to completion by the end of April 2016.