Draft Concept Plan for former Rectory Fields in Birr

Page 1

Scan the QR code to fill out the online survey:

Scan an cód QR chun an suirbhé ar líne a líonadh:

Welcome to the second public consultation for the development of Birr’s Rectory Fields. These panels explain the process to date and present the emerging vision, design principles and concept for

Tá fáilte romhat go dtí an dara comhairliúchán poiblí i dtaca le forbairt Pháirceanna Theach Reachtaire Bhiorra. Mínítear an próiseas go dtí seo ar na painéil seo agus cuirtear i láthair an fhís, na prionsabail dearaidh agus an coincheap atá ag teacht chun cinn don cheantar.

Is é cuspóir an tionscadail seo ná fís a fhorbairt don suíomh tábhachtach seo ar le Comhairle Chontae Uíbh Fhailí é. Ar aon dul leis an bPlean Ceantair Áitiúil ar glacadh leis le déanaí, tá an ceantar criosaithe le haghaidh Lár an Bhaile agus Úsáid Mheasctha.

Is é aidhm an phróisis seo ná Páirceanna Theach an Reachtaire a fhorbairt go tuisceanach mar chuid dhílis de do Bhiorra

Is é cuspóir an phróisis comhairliúcháin ná do chuid smaointe ar an bplean atá ag teacht chun cinn a chloisteáil, mar sin bíodh cead cainte agat!

RectoryFields

Have your say!

[1] Introduction -
Johns P ace
Réamhrá
~290m ~ 230m ~ 150m
Offaly
Birr Town Centre
N

To succeed as a place the design for the Rectory Fields must reflect the views, needs and aspirations of local people as much as possible. At the outset of this process a first consultation was held to gain insight into what residents want to see in the area. The following summarises that consultation.

It was clear from the findings how important it is to provide space for people; be it public, green or active space.

For this second consultation, an emerging plan has been developed alongside a working vision for the future of the area that we’d now like to hear your thoughts on.

What do you think Birr Town Centre needs and would be an appropriate use for the former Rectory Lands?

Do you have any other ideas or comments on the development of the former rectory lands?

think there needs to be a for this area, one that reflects the artistic and of our unique Georgian town and the people who have made it this way.

A walking area or cycle path

The town needs another creche and nursing home facilities

There has been very little housing built in birr in the last 20 years and also no new facilities for our kids and adults alike to help themselves keep fit and active in a safe environment without having to spend alot of money doing so.

Maybe space left available could be covered to hold mini outdoor events music. seasonal markets familyfriendly show etc in conjunction with the theatre & schools to use if needed.

What do you think would not be an appropriate use for the former Rectory Lands?

Do these findings reflect your feelings?

Birr needs more outdoor spaces. Birr castle is beautiful but way

I think it could be a wonderful community garden/allotments. A nature haven, surrounded by a public walkway/ training track.

Response to Consultation Results

We need more Houses in Birr.

The town badly needs a developed/well lit/safe location to run/walk. There is no club in Birr. This would be a facility which would benefit all ages & abilities.

The disability services in Birr desperately need a state of the art unit.

Ideal for Housing away from other Estates in town. The North side of town is over populated. Creating traffic congestion etc.

As a large site the fields have capacity to accommodate many uses. Scope exists for ample green and public space and network of public routes for walking, running and cycling. In addition, the predominant long term use of the site is likely be housing in response to the need which exists in the region.

[2]
55 Activity Athletics 100 17 7 8 31 33 4 36 18 17 15 8 4 15 219 111 59 16 12 43 16 Sports/ Amenities Public Space Housing Public Services Commecial/ Employment Parking Retail/ Hospitality
Consultation process so far
Creativity Sustainability Community Green Space Garden Health Services Safety Housing Enhance Links Retail Youth
Parking Retail/ Hospitality Housing Commercial/ Employment Public Services Sports/ Amenities Public Space 56 56 115 117 127 144
sports grounds in the town
Enough
the mature trees is very important for the local environment
Keeping
Outdoor Safe Space Retirement village

The emerging first phase plan provides space for nature and people by creating wide routes for activity through the Rectory Lands, ideal for playing, running, walking, and cycling. Other areas of the plan will continue to be used for grazing.

In the future, while retaining links and green spaces, sensitive development is proposed for these areas to create a new town centre neighbourhood, including a mix of housing types and tenures (e.g. townhouses, housing for elderly, private and public) as well as other uses.

By keeping sustainability at the forefront, the design aims to be as innovative as Birr has always been.

Now it is important for you to let us know what you think!

[3] Short-Term Vision 21st century Mall and Active Travel Route Vehicular Entrance from Glebe Street Loop for Exercise and Activity Fields for Grazing, and Future Development Mixed Use Development (incl. age friendly housing) Civic Space New Pedestrian and and Cycle Entrance from John’s Mall Public Realm Improvements to John’s Hall What do you think of innovationthein the design? Emmet St Glebe St John’s Pl
BengalLodge SandymountAve
N

Highlighting and retaining the mature trees, hedgerows, and heritage wall in the design as a key quality of the area.

Ensuring multiple pedestrian and cycling access points to integrate the area with the rest of Birr. Vehicular access from the North.

Appreciating the Georgian architecture of Birr by echoing its Malls and defining features in the modern architecture.

Creating space for activities in the plan. This means pedestrianised space [02], green space [05], and an opportunity incorporate space for exercise in loops of set distances through the area.

Prioritising green solutions at the forefront of the design, such as: biodiversity, sustainable drainage, and active travel (walking and cycling).

Creating the framework for a vibrant neighbourhood that is close to shops, cafe, schools and places to work.

What do you think...?

[4] Design Principles
02 Link with Surrounding Areas 03 Relate to Town Heritage & Character 04 Incorporate Appropriate Uses 05 Lead on Environmental Sustainability 06 Achieve Town Centre Diversity & Density in Future
800m
01 Retain Existing Assets

The masterplan will not all be built at once, but be developed as a series of phases over many years as and when funding becomes available. This shows how the development could happen over a period of time

What temporary uses would you like to see?

short term

Providing access through John’s Place and the opportunity for temporary uses in the area

future

Allowing for future adaptation, but maintaining the core design principles

[5]
P P P P P P P P
Proposed Phasing

As a priority this plan will provide for the needs communicated by you, like more public space, space for activity, and green space

In the future the proposal gives the opportunity to build upon these qualities to create an innovative mixed-use neighbourhood for Birr Town Centre.

Rectory Fields - A pioneering 21st Century neighbourhood in the heart of 18th Century Birr

• Green, biodiverse and carbon neutral to negative

• A child-friendly, Low Traffic Neighbourhood

• Home to a thriving and diverse town centre community

Many green spaces for people, plants, and planet!

Various types of sustainable developments

Community spaces, including; allotment, events, and exercise

Do you think this vision fits into the future of Birr?

“ ”
[6] Long-Term
Vision for the Future
P P P P P

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