Southbank, Drogheda
A new, bold, plan for Drogheda's Southbank
As part of its continuing commitment to Drogheda. Edward Holdings has submitted a planning application for a bold new development which, if successful, will become a symbol of the area's new-found confidence both as one of Ireland's most historic towns and as an increasingly important regional centre.
The mixed-use scheme, which is designed by Douglas Wallace Architects, Designers, for Edward Holdings, adjoins the prestigious Scotch Hall by the same development team on the south side of the River Boyne. It forms 'Phase 2' of the regeneration of this side of the river and is to be called Southbank.
Edward Holdings' latest visionary plans include one of Ireland's tallest buildings - with 25 residential floors - a state-of-the art conference centre, spa, eight screen cinema and provision for additional retail and commercial accommodation. Also incorporated is an extension of the four-star hotel in neighbouring Scotch Hall, adding a further 60 rooms. Its rich mix of uses will make Southbank, with an estimated value of more than ?00 million, one of the most extensive and comprehensive ever to be built in the Republic.
Crucially, the scheme also includes a new vehicular bridge to ease local traffic congestion and complete the integration of the south and north sides of the Boyne in Drogheda. The bridge will connect the Dublin Road on the south side of the river to the historic commercial hub on the north, crossing over Marsh Road and bypassing the bottlenecks of Mary's Bridge and the Bullring.
The extension of Scotch Hall outside of the historic City Walls will mean that further stretch of riverside walkway can be opened up for pedestrian use. As Gerry Barrett of Edward Holdings explains:
“Scotch Hall has already given back to the people of Drogheda an important stretch of its historic riverside, and Southbank will continue this trend. Together the two developments, with their twin bridges, will make it easier for people to use facilities both side of the river.
“Scotch Hall and Southbank will between them deliver quayside pedestrian walkways of around 400 metres, lined with cafes, bars and other facilities. The riverside, so long the industrial heart of Drogheda where generations worked and toiled, will now become a place to linger and enjoy.”
The new vehicular bridge will not only complete the integration of the two sides of the river in Drogheda which, for so long, have been separate, but also improve access to the important M1 motorway, cutting down the journey time between the north side of Drogheda and Dublin.
Drogheda's role as one of the most significant urban 'hubs' in the north Dublin corridor will thus be significantly enhanced by Southbank, not only because it will be easier to move between Drogheda and the capital city but because the development proposals include additional hotel accommodation and a major new facility capable of hosting regional, national and even international events such as conferences and product launches, for more than 500 people.
Drogheda's new-found dynamism will have no more potent symbol than the tall buildings proposed at the heart of Southbank. One of these, with25 residential storeys over part of the pedestrianised quayside area, will be among the tallest in Ireland, and together they will provide a total of 224 apartments. These homes will meet the demand for further residential development as outlined in the town's development plan.
“Southbank and Scotch Hall are symbols of Ireland's and Drogheda's continued economic success”, says Gerry Barrett. “And Edward Holdings' investment is a direct reflection of the confidence we have in Drogheda to take advantage of the opportunities this presents.”