Summix has secured approval from Galway City Council for its planning application to deliver one of the largest, most significant urban regeneration schemes in Ireland, called Augustine Hill, which is right in the heart of Galway city centre. Located in Galway city centre on a 3.3-hectare (8.2 acres) brownfield site adjacent to Ceannt Train Station, Augustine Hill is a landmark mixed-use regeneration scheme that forms part of the wider revitalisation of the city of Galway. The scheme will responsibly transform, rejuvenate and open up a vital, sustainable new city centre neighbourhood for the people and communities of Galway.
It is in excess of €300m mixed-use development across 11 new and fully pedestrianised streets and four large public spaces that will comprise significant residential, retail, leisure, and community and cultural facilities, with building heights ranging from single storey to a 21-storey residential scheme, making it the highest residential building in Ireland.
Augustine Hill, which will preserve protected structures and celebrate the history and heritage of the surrounding area, will help to revitalise Galway and includes 229 much needed residential homes for sale, built to rent and for elderly care, as well as cafés and restaurants, a 130-bed hotel, a six-screen cinema complex, childcare facility and play area, innovative retail and entertainment concepts, a craft food market and office space. All of which is set out around significant new areas of carefully landscaped public realm connecting with the city and accommodating throughout significant new secure parking and storage for bicycles and cars and a below-ground service yard.
Niamh O’Connor, Executive Director at Summix, said: “Galway City Council's approval of our plans is a positive affirmation of Summix's approach to socially and environmentally responsible placemaking, making it our 16th successfully consented site from our fully deployed 2017 fund. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our experienced, multi-disciplinary team and all stakeholders for the years of technical work, creativity and support on this landmark project. We look forward to the next stage of Augustine Hill’s journey alongside our partners Edward Capital and CIÉ and seeing the very best of sustainable and responsible urban regeneration being showcased in a city as distinctive as Galway.”
Tareq Naqib, co-founder and Executive Director at Summix, commented: “This milestone decision in the lifecycle of the project enables us to go forward and unlock the significant potential of this strategic site in a unique part of the city, in partnership with Edward Capital and CIÉ. When developed, the people of Galway and all its visitors will experience a new way of living, working and playing in a community built for a modern and sustainable-led lifestyle yet underpinned by the existing cultural heritage of the area that will be brought back to life by the repurposing of existing historic buildings. Summix continues to expand its strong pipeline of development opportunities across Ireland and the UK, and we look forward to responsibly unlocking further development sites and delivering sustainable schemes where they are most needed.”
Gerry Barrett, Managing Director at Edward Capital, added: “We are delighted with the decision by Galway City Council. This project will breathe life into the city centre and help rebalance growth away from the suburbs of Galway. It is a landmark decision for Galway city. I want to thank our partners Summix Capital and CIÉ and our team of 70 professionals for their hard work and dedication. I would also like to thank the hundreds of people in Galway for sharing their thoughts and visions with us during the public consultation.”
