The Viking Trust Company Limited Progress Report June 2014
It begins here...
Words from The Chairman “It is not unfair to say that 5 years ago, the area we now cherish as our Viking Triangle was an uninspiring, largely unloved and visibly uncared for district within Ireland’s oldest city. Yes, we had the welcome clients coming and going from the many excellent restaurants and bars, however, I heard people remark that the lack of adequate lighting and the conspicuously empty streets gave the area a sort of foreboding feeling to pedestrians - a feeling of “if you dare to take a short cut from The Mall to John Roberts Square late at night, do so only with a weather eye, looking constantly over your shoulder... The need for reinvention was screaming out loud and clear. Those cries were heard and Waterford City Council’s leadership, drive and stimulus put in motion a transformation that, step by step, is revealing a true gem and showcasing The Viking Triangle, for all it can and will be for future generations. The commitment and resource support of Failte Ireland and The OPW underpinned the drive of the City Council to positively influence the spatial environment. I believe that the Viking Triangle Trust has played an essential role in the last 2 years in coordinating and influencing this tangible development. I believe our Trust will continue to play a key role in unlocking the economic, cultural and heritage potential of The Viking Triangle. In order for Waterford City as a whole, to benefit from the development of a successful visitor destination attractor we must continue to work in a collaborative way, with all interested parties to build on the physical connection within our city and unify behind our concept for the development and regeneration of our city. With this in mind, we recognise the inherent need to create pedestrian linkages between The Viking Triangle and the retail core of our city. The Viking Triangle Trust Company will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure this connectivity is improved in the short term and that a consistent approach is maintained to the delivery of the area. The Viking Triangle Trust Company will continue to focus on the balanced creation of atmospheric public spaces surrounding the many buildings and artefacts of significant historical note. We will continue to encourage the development of the cultural and heritage attractions that are endemic to our Viking Triangle. Meanwhile, we must remain mindful of avoiding improvised solutions as the improvement and the provision of additional residential infrastructure, so critical to the long term sustainability of our area, is installed. The Trust will continue to advocate for a long term objective view to ensure meaningful, sustainable and high quality development of the area.
The Viking Trust Company recognises the inherent need to create pedestrian linkages between The Viking Triangle and the retail core of our city I would like to say thank you to everyone involved to date in collectively and so positively pushing the Viking Triangle aspiration forward. Even though the fruits of all this are clearly visible, much remains to be done. We are at the end of the beginning of our task and acutely aware of the challenges we face in developing a unique and attractive proposition for visitors. Additional finance will be required and a continuation of our combined efforts , both public and private will be needed to enable us to showcase a world class example of the re-emergence of Waterford’s City Centre�. Brendan Cummins Viking Triangle Trust Company Limited
Introduction Our vision to develop a vibrant, authentic and distinctive visitor destination through our cultural & heritage quarter within The Viking Triangle (VT) requires buy in and collaboration from the local community, businesses & support agencies and investment from both the public and private sector.
One of the obvious strengths of our historic city is our cluster of unique visitor attractions... It is well documented that the visitor economy provides a major economic development opportunity for many countries and a means of improving the livelihoods of its residents. The Viking Triangle Trust Company believes that The Viking Triangle Development project, will be a key driver in achieving sustainable tourism development for Waterford which respects and nurtures the local community. This destination
4
development will encourage unique, independent artisan producers, resulting in increased levels of employment and a distinctive public realm space while delivering a quality visitor experience. One of the obvious strengths of our historic city is our cluster of unique visitor attractions which embraces nine national monuments, including: Christchurch Cathedral & The Cathedral of The Holy Trinity, the global brand Waterford Crystal since 1783, showcasing the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world, The Theatre Royal, a breathtaking horseshoe shaped Victorian Theatre and our three world class museums, one of which is housed in Reginalds Tower the oldest civic urban structure in Ireland. The Medieval Museum is home to 13th and 15th century undercrofts. Both domestic and international visitors, have been long time visitors to Waterford Crystal with 163,000 visits to the factory and showroom reported in 2012. However, many of these visitors stay for less than four hours in Ireland’s oldest city. We intend to develop our visitor destination to encourage increased visitor numbers with increased dwell time within our city, allowing time to engage with and experience our many visitor attractions.
It begins here...
Waterford City like many other urban centres has suffered the expansion of residential populations away from the central urban centre, resulting in a low density residential city centre with a high reliance on commuting by car from outlying low density communities. The Viking Triangle Trust Company recognises the value and importance of rebuilding our urban residential population which will offer vibrancy after normal business trading hours boosting economic growth, combating anti social behaviour and fostering an urban centre which is a safe, clean and comfortable place to visit at night. We fully support the ongoing application for the “Purple Flag�. This initiative is an accreditation scheme that honors excellence in the appeal and management of a town or city centre area between the hours of 5pm and 5am. We believe that like other Purple Flag centres we can offer the highest quality in shopping, dining, pubs
and entertainment ensuring our visitors have all they need for a great evening out. It is the intention of the Trust on collaboration with other Viking Triangle stakeholders to develop a set of metrics which will assist us in tracking our visitors’ experience of our destination over time.
The Theatre Royal, a breathtaking horseshoe shaped Victorian theatre
5
Establishment of The Viking Triangle Trust Company Limited The Viking Triangle Trust Company, in conjunction with Waterford City Council, was established in April 2012 to lead and manage this exciting urban development project. It is a limited company with a voluntary board of private sector directors and a chief executive.
Our vision is to create a vibrant, authentic and distinctive urban cultural and heritage quarter in Irelands oldest city.
6
The scope of The Trusts responsibilities are clearly outlined in a formal protocol agreement with Waterford City Council. The Company Chief Executive, Fiona McHardy was appointed in July 2012. Property Regeneration and Management The regeneration of the Viking Triangle is at the heart of the Trust’s mission. The goal is to create a vibrant, authentic and distinctive area, which is a desirable place in which to live and work, and a highly appealing place to visit. The development strategy is to concentrate development and animation around a series of nodes including (but not limited to): • • • • •
World dining Artisan producers design & retail Culture & heritage attractions Arts & creative uses Leisure spaces & entertainment
Waterford Viking Triangle is one of the oldest and most significant urban quarters in the country, a new and unique cultural and heritage development project funded by Waterford City Council and Failte Ireland. The aim of this destination development project in the short term, is to change local and national perceptions of Waterford as a visitor destination and
It begins here...
create a feel good factor, in the medium term to provide a richer offering and experience, meeting and exceeding international standards and in the long term to be a catalyst for wider city regeneration which will assist Waterford in making a step change in economic performance.
Waterford Viking Triangle The Viking Triangle is a compact, historic urban area of about 2 hectares (4.94 acres) which occupies the footprint of the original Viking settlement, established in 914 AD. The many historic buildings within the area represent the story of Waterford over the past 1,100 years. Waterford Viking Triangle, as defined in the protocol agreement comprises the north-east corner of Waterford City Centre fronting the quays and the River Suir to the north, the central retail area to the west and the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre on the Mall to the south. Reginald’s Tower, an icon of Waterford City, is positioned at the north-east apex of the Triangle.
Waterford Viking Triangle located at the north-east corner of
Waterford Viking Triangle is the cornerstone of the long term vision to make Waterford a competitive city based visitor destination. The strategy is to create a critical mass of attractions within a strongly branded and managed destination quarter which will add to the appeal of the city, by complimenting the existing retail offering and creating a connection between The House of Waterford Crystal on The Mall and the retail core of the city. Over time, we will experience an increase in visitor numbers and economic returns for the wider city which will result in the development an anchor attraction for the South-East region.
Waterford City Centre
7
Viking Trust Board of Directors The management of the affairs of the company is vested in a voluntary Board of Directors. No Director has any right, title, or interest in or to any property or asset of the company. The Directors of the Company are as listed below. In addition, Manager of Waterford Council is an ex-officio Director. Mr. Brendan Cummins - Chairman Former CEO of the Swiss based international specialty chemical company Ciba. Brendan spent most of his professional life in Asia and latterly in Switzerland. He brings 40 years of industry leadership experience. He presently serves on several boards in Ireland and the USA and works as a strategy consultant. Mr. Michael Walsh Michael started his career in Local Government in 1983 and has held various senior posts including Waterford City Manager from 2007 to 2014, when he was appointed City & County Manager. As manager Michael is a director of The Viking Triangle Trust Company, Waterford Regional Airport, Waterford City Enterprise Board, Waterford Museum of Treasures and a member of The City Development Board. Mr. David Breen Principal of his own firm “David M Breen & Co Chartered Accountants” established in 2002. Former employee of Phelan Prescott, KPMG coupled with 14 Years 8
experience in Industry. David previously served on the Finance Committee of the Waterford Tall Ships Festival. Mr. Padraic White Former Managing Director of the Industrial Development Authority of Ireland (IDA), Padraic was the inaugural Chairman of the Railway Procurement Agency (2002-2007) which was responsible for the construction, launch and initiation of the LUAS light rail services in Dublin. He is engaged in a wide range of entrepreneurial and public interests. Ms. Louise Grubb Chief Executive of Q1 Scientific, Louise is a serial entrepreneur having developed and divested of a number of successful businesses. Recent finalist of the prestigious “David Manley Emerging Entrepreneur Awards” and winner of the Irish Exporters Association award. Appointed Ambassador for Waterford in 2011 to promote business activities and enterprise in the region. Founding member of The FUSE Initiative.
Ms. Maire Henry Head of Department of Architecture at W.I.T. Registered architect with the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland. Former employee of Renzo Piano Building Workshop in Paris, working on award winning international projects. Director of dhb Architects Ltd. an international award winning practice- short listed practice at The World Festival of Architecture, Barcelona 2010 & 2011. Mr. Desmond O’Toole A Chartered Surveyor and recently retired as valuation partner of O’ Shea O’ Toole & Partners , a Waterford based Property Consultants & Chartered Surveyors practice. Des is a former President of the Chamber of Commerce and has been involved in a range of urban studies and development in the Waterford sub-region over the past 35 years. Mr. Brian McGee Head of Market Development for The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland. Brian is a design graduate from the National College of Art & Design and holds a first class honours MBA from The University of Limerick.
He has held senior executive positions in product development and marketing in France, The USA and Ireland with well known brands including Krups and Waterford Crystal. Fiona McHardy Company Chief Executive, appointed in July 2012 reporting directly to the Board. Fiona is a highly motivated and results oriented project manager who possess top level business management, interpersonal, and facilitation skills. Fiona is skilled at engaging, communicating and negotiating with project stakeholders to deliver projects on-time and within increasingly challenging budget constraints. Meetings Formal board meetings were convened six times in 2013 with the same number scheduled for 2014. Key Stakeholders • Waterford City Council Senior Management Team • Viking Triangle Trust Board of Directors and CEO • Failte Ireland & Tourism Ireland
9
The Transformation
The creation of an exciting urban cultural and heritage quarter in our city which will attract visitors and investment.
10
It begins here...
Potential Hubs/ Zones of Activity City Living Encouragement of an urban population through the provision of residential accommodation, for example the redevelopment of Cathedral Square properties. World Dining The Mall, High Street & Henrietta Street Examples: The Olive Tree (Spanish), Sabai (Thai & Vietnamese), La Palma (Italian) L’Atmosphere (French); Morizo (Singaporean) McLearys (Modern Irish); Kashmir Tandori (Indian); Kabul Buffet (Afghan), Emiliano’s (Italian) and La Fontana (Italian).
Stunning brass scale model of the Viking Triangle situated at Reginalds Tower
Service Industry Professionals There is a strong and developing collection of service industry professionals including accountants; engineers, solicitors; architects as well as our latest addition, Fumbally Exchange co-working hub. Artisan Producers, Design & Retail Cathedral Square, Henrietta Street & Bailey’s New Street Examples: Kite Design Studio, Gallweys Choclatier (Handmade Chocolate Cafe), Bonzie (Hand-made design label), Larder (Speciality food store), Flagstone, Tower Gifts, Country House Gifts, Hibernian Gifts (Specility Retail). Culture & Heritage Attractions House of Waterford Crystal; Reginalds Tower; Theatre Royal; The Bishops Palace; The Medieval Museum; Christchurch Cathedral, Greyfriars Church; French Church; City Hall etc Arts & Creative Grey Friars Street & Baileys New Street Greyfriars Municipal Gallery, Skapari Studios (Artists’ Collective), SOMA Contemporary Gallery Leisure Spaces & Entertainment Examples: Jordans Bar; The Reg Bar and Noc Noc Venue; Katty Barry’s; The Munster; William Vincent Wallace Plaza; Reginalds Tower Plaza; Baileys New Street; The Mall; Bishop’s Palace Square, Cathedral Square and Brick Lane. Note: The identification of potential hubs / zones of activity does not preclude the operation of alternative activities / uses in these areas it is merely a guide to the type of activity we would see being concentrated and encouraged in the general area to compliment the vision for a high quality and vibrant offering to compliment the City Centre High Street retailers.
11
Summary Highlights to Date 2012 • 1.9 Million funding approved from The Department of Environment Community and Local Government for the provision of social and affordable housing in Cathedral Square. • Medieval Museum opens its doors. • Capital funding approved by Fáilte Ireland for public realm works. • Viking Triangle Trust Company Limited established and CEO appointed. 2013 • Year 1 of Pilot, Viking Triangle Welcome Ambassador Programme attracts over 40 local volunteers. • First edition of Viking Triangle Event Guide collated and published highlighting events for May June and July 2013. • Regeneration works commence on 121/122 Parade Quay. • Red Kettle Theatre Company move into Central Hall. • Public realm works commence. • little Design Shop - handmade craft shop established by two businesses from Kite Design Studios. • New way finding signage system including two large information boards installed. • Southpaw Studio & Gallery opens in Lombard Street. • Viking Trust move into new office premises. • Our new co-working space Fumbally Exchange opens with 15 desks available to business. • Bonzie, handmade designer label moves into Baileys New Street. 12
•
• • •
The Reg Bar and multi-purpose venue including Catch 22 Seafood Restaurant opens. ACRO artists collective take up residence in Baileys New Street. Pop up gift shop opens in 127 Parade Quay for duration of Winterval. The Olive Tree, tapas bar opens on The Mall.
2014 • Regeneration works commence on 121/122 Parade Quay. • Completion of public realm works. • Tower Gifts traditional gift store opens on Parade Quay. • Sparkle Closet high fashion dress shop opens on Parade Quay. • Discover Ireland Centre relocates to 120 Parade Quay. • Larder artisan food store opens on corner of Henrietta Street and The Quays. • Installation of three bronze 3D models of Viking Triangle. • Installation of artistic silhouettes on gables around Viking Triangle to animate the area. • John Condon memorial unveiled in Cathedral Square. • Installation of Aoife & Strongbow chair • Commencement of Cathedral Square residential building works • Appointment of design team for additional public realm works • Country House Gifts opens on Parade Quay • Flagtone traditional craft and gift store opens on The Mall
It begins here...
Visitors & Footfall One of the core aims of the creation of a visitor attraction, such as The Viking Triangle Cultural and Heritage quarter, is to create a unique & memorable visitor experience thus increasing visitor numbers and associated revenue for the entire City. Based on published figures we are aware that overseas visitors to Ireland in 2013 were up 5.4% on the same period in 2012. Visitors to Waterford Crystal during 2012 totalled 163,000, which ranked 16th overall for paid visitor attractions, with The Guinness Storehouse in first place with 1,087,209 visits and Kilkenny Castle in 13th place with 238,244 visitors for the same period. Cruise ship visits to Waterford were up 30% to 26 during 2013. According to Fรกilte Ireland figures published in July 2013, revenue from overseas visitors to Waterford increased from 39 million euro in 2011 to 55 million euro in 2012. The number of overseas visitors to Waterford increased from 206,000 in 2011 to 225,000 in 2012.
Revenue from overseas visitors to Waterford increased from 39 million to 55 million euro in 2012.
2014 Installation of Aoife & Strongbow chair in Bishops Place Gardens
13
Brand Development To date, 7 event guide publications have been produced, with 70,000 copies circulated through local visitor attractions and hotels. Each publication included a comprehensive listing of events happening within the Viking Triangle. The event guide had a dual purpose of promoting the area and the brand while building awareness of the Viking Triangle quarter, promoting the events and building audiences both domestically and internationally. AIB Bank proudly sponsored recent publications.
Viking Triangle Stakeholders come together to promote their activities while establishing and developing the brand, Waterford Viking Triangle.
14
The Viking Triangle Web Site Vitamin Studio, a local design company were the successful tenders who worked with us to develop the destination web site. Every effort was made to create a site which developed the personality of the quarter, through the use of imagery, language and colour. The site which was soft launched in December 2013 currently has in excess of 200 pages, the intention is to develop the site and its content in line with the motivational factors which appeal to our main target market segments “Culturally Curious” ; “Social Energisers” & “Great Escapers”. We are conscious that the key distribution channels for the promotion of a destination include online, digitalvideo and social media. There have been significant success’s in terms of national television & media coverage which all assist in developing the profile and perception of our destination as a must see place to visit. The expanding annual events and festivals programme which is of both national & international interest, augments the development of our visitor destination. We need to ensure that this annual events programme receives ongoing support, both financial and non-financial.
It begins here...
Developing Destination Personality The Welcome Ambassador Programme During 2013 we had 41 volunteer Welcome Ambassadors who greeted and welcomed visitors to our city from near and far. A pilot initiative of the Viking Triangle Trust Office developed in conjunction with ongoing support from Waterford Area Partnership; WIT & Failte Ireland. The volunteers embraced the opportunity to represent their city and develop our destination personality while demonstrating a real passion for our city. They enjoy meeting and communicating with visitors and have a warm energy and desire to share the city’s interesting stories past and present with visitors to our city, both domestic and international. This project is about civic pride, about extending a warm Waterford welcome to ensure that our visitors leave our city having had a very positive experience, exceeding their expectations which we hope, they will share with and recommend to others. Testimonial Brian Lynch, Suirway Bus & Coaches. “We have received ongoing positive feedback regarding the work of the Waterford Ambassadors which has been not only positive but actually inspiring.
It has been a delight for our drivers to be able to point the passengers toward the “Purple Sweatshirts” and to know that the visitors are integrating into the whole “meet and greet” experience. I have also received specific mention of the Ambassadors as being helpful, friendly and welcoming.” We are delighted to report that the 2014 Programme has attracted in excess of 70 volunteers who are very visible on our streets in their distinctive purple uniforms. They spend their time directing visitors to the attractions, escorting them to our retail core and our new tourist office on Parade Quay. We are confident that this initiative has assisted in improving the perception of Waterford and the region as a visitor destination.
Viking Triangle volunteers in their distinctive purple uniforms.
15
Encouragement of Cultural & Creative Enterprise As one of the key ingredients of developing a vibrant, authentic and distinctive visitor destination within The Viking Triangle we recognise the value of embedding Cultural & Creative Industries in its early stages of development. The long term effects and economic value of encouraging this sector to occupy space within an area which we are in the process of regenerating and breathing new life into, is well documented.
Generating added value and jobs, the cultural industries offer a straightforward contribution to the urban economic mix Waterford City Council is the owner of a number of buildings within the Viking Triangle, these buildings are being transferred under the protocol agreement to The Viking Triangle Trust for their management and occupation with appropriate uses.
16
An example use of the first of these buildings is 120 Parade Quay which is home to the new Fumbally Exchange coworking space. We are aware that there are historically low levels of commercial and residential occupation in this quarter of the City. This area of the city, has not up to now been recognised as an area where pedestrians permeate or come to spend time or independent businesses operate. This is due in part to the location of the back and side streets, their profile, footfall and floor plate restrictions. In order to be a catalyst for the future regeneration of the area and the wider city it is important that the area is populated with unique and bespoke high quality offerings. (e.g. craft production workshops, independent retail, business, studio space, theater space, galleries etc.) Exert from: The Impacts of Culture on The Economic Development of Cities The European Institute for Comparative Urban Research.pg 26. “Generating added value and jobs, the cultural industries offer a straightforward contribution to the urban economic mix. This is even more
It begins here...
the case if a city builds as a tourism destination on account of such resources, therefore increasing dramatically the market potential for such services.” This view is further compounded in a report commissioned by Dublin City Council in May 2010: Defining and Valuing Dublin’s Creative Industries. “The importance of innovation and creativity in the future economic development of Dublin and Ireland cannot be overstated”. With this in mind The Viking Triangle Trust actively encourages the population of space within The Viking Triangle by Cultural and Creative industries. We are delighted to report that we have seen a steady flow of new tenants into the area over the past twelve months. Of these new tenants many report a significant increase in their levels of engagement and activity since locating within The Viking Triangle. Red Kettle Theatre Company relocated to the landmark Central Hall in January 2013. They report their busiest year in their 28 year history with 70 in house performances engaging with 2,500 people. The little Design Shop opened it doors at 114a Parade Quay in April, previously occupants of Kite Design Studios, Ann Mc Donnell printmaker
and Stradbally Jewellery Design recognised the potential of the area for their new business. Their store offers a unique range of high quality handmade Irish craft. This opening was followed by Southpaw Studio which opened in Lombard Street and an exciting contemporary artists studio Acro Studios in Baileys New Street; Home to nine practising Waterford based contemporary artists. Acro Studios is a work space and exhibition area. Its members have a shared desire to reinvigorate the contemporary art scene in Waterford City. Each of its nine members works in a variety of mediums including video, live performance, sculpture, painting, theatre and installation. At the time of Writing, Acro Studios in in the process of changing its name.
17
Bonzie is an independent Irish handmade design label, a clothing label with romantic vintage appeal. Located at 15 Baileys New Street, in the heart of The Viking Triangle. Yvonne the owner designer from Waterford, with a global following, is delighted with the new location and is experiencing a marked increase in revenue and footfall with a 35% boost in sales for the 3rd quarter of 2013.
The Reg a landmark, privately funded business on The Mall reopened its doors in mid November 2013. This exciting redevelopment comprises a range of different entertainment options including a traditional Irish bar, a dedicated Whiskey Bar an elegant and timeless central bar, a multipurpose venue, night club and Catch 22 Seafood as well as a contemporary Irish restaurant. The exciting venue is completed by a magnificent outdoor roof terrace with surreal views of Reginald’s Tower, the Quays and the River Suir.
Bonzie an independent Irish handmade design label, is now located at 15 Baileys New Street
The Discover Ireland Centre, The Viking Triangle Trust and The Civic Trust offices have taken up residence in the newly refurbished, 120 Parade Quay building. The location of this visitor centre will create a gateway into the heart of The Viking Triangle from Parade Quay. September 2013 saw the establishment of Fumbally Exchange, (FEx), a collaborative co-working space which offers low-cost, low-risk business incubation space. This loft like space offers 15 desks for rent to design focused creative or innovative professionals who may be start ups, sole traders or small business. This is the first Fumbally Exchange outside of Dublin and The Viking Triangle Trust Company were delighted to be successful in their bid to attract this brand to Waterford.
18
The Olive Tree tapas bar on The Mall opened its doors in early December and offers a range of Spanish tapas complimented by an extensive wine list in comfortable and friendly surroundings. Pop up shops have been encouraged as an interesting option to occupy spaces which are unavailable for long term lettings, due to regeneration and refurbishment needs. This assists in punctuating the streetscape with interesting uses while complimenting our increasing annual events programme including Spraoi, Harvest & Winterval. The expanding number of independent retailers in the area includes Larder, Tower Gifts, Flagstone and Country House Gifts. The accommodation of these uses within the VT will compliment the High Street retail offering while creating a “bridge” through the VT to the core of the city.
It begins here...
Many of the spaces in the area are unsuitable for more commercial activity due to their restrictions on size and layouts. Each of the new tenants offer something unique to both locals and visitors and assist us in developing a unique and authentic visitor destination experience for all who visit the developing Viking Triangle. The Trust will manage a number of properties in and around the area which are in the process of being transferred by Waterford Council. In the absence of appropriate space to accommodate uses, we have none the less assisted in the negotiation of favorable terms for many new tenants in order to encourage their occupation of the many privately owned vacant premises in the area. Incentivisation of Occupation The Rates revaluation of all commercial and industrial property in Ireland which has been under way nationally since late 2005, resulted in the revaluation of properties in Waterford during 2013. As a result, significant rates increases have been passed down to many tenants. In late 2013, Waterford City Council announced a very positive incentive scheme which we are confident will encourage small business and start ups to occupy space within our city and counteract the impact of this rates increase on their cash flow.
The incentive scheme takes the form of “An Art/ Craft Studio” or “Shop Grant Scheme” and encourages the occupation of commercial premises / retail units which have been vacant over an extended period of time. We are confident that this incentive will enhance the vitality and vibrancy of the city centre while continuing to support the city centre and its primacy in the retail hierarchy.
Fumbally Exchange has 15 desks for rent to design focused creative or innovative professional start ups.
Fumbally Exchange is a collaborative, co-working space which offers low-cost, low-risk, business incubation space for creative and innovative professionals. 19
The Medieval Museum Waterford’s Medieval Museum is a new architectural landmark and major visitor attraction located in the heart of The Viking Triangle. It houses a magnificent collection of artifacts and hosts numerous public events. Winner of several highly acclaimed architectural awards including: LAMA Award winner for best Heritage Project and Best Public Building 2014; The International Civic Trust Award 2014; The Irish Building Project of the Year 2014; also winner of the 2014 RIAI Public Choice Award for Best Public Building. The ‘Waterford Lady’ sculpted on the West gable.
20
The front façade is designed in a semicircular, streamlined form, which is ‘wrapped around’ the back of the Neo Classical Cathedral, creating a link between the two beautiful squares on each side. The warm Dundry facing stone follows from its use in the original medieval Cathedral and Choristers’ Hall and provides a break from the cool crisp 18th century surrounding structures. The curved façade is like a
big jigsaw – no two stones are the same, each one is unique and individual. More than a façade of a building, it is a largescale architectural sculpture. There is an emphasis on the two gables, both visible from surrounding squares. A six metre high figure – ‘The Waterford Lady’ sculpted on the west gable is based on a tiny 13th century belt mount found during the archaeological excavations on site. Designed by Waterford City Council Architects, Rupert Maddock, Agnieszka & Bartosz Rojowski. Public Realm Works GKMP Architects adopted an approach to the public realm works which recognised the inherent qualities of the important public spaces contained within the quarter and the sensitivities to the historical and cultural context. The aspiration from the outset was to create an open and sustainable public realm using high-quality materials in a simple and straightforward way in order to restore The Viking Triangle as one of the finest and most significant urban quarters in the country. Already the area has been shortlisted for the RIAI Public Choice Award at the Irish Architecture Awards 2014. The overall approach involved repaving the streets in granite and the surrounds of the Cathedral in Irish blue limestone, with large inset areas of Ballylusk gravel. There are four principal public spaces within the Viking Triangle.
It begins here...
The first a gateway into the quarter is located at Reginalds Tower, where the demolition of the 1960’s office building has created a wonderful plaza. Extension of the existing granite treatment around the tower provides space to display the stunning Viking Longboat during the summer months. Cathedral Square forms the centre piece of the quarter, the objective of the design being to restore the former prominence of the Cathedral & Deanery. A new limestone platform to the front elevation of the Deanery will create a unique performance space to host animation and events. Similarly, a new limestone terrace to the eastern end of The Palace will create a lively space to host events and encourage Café culture while attracting visitors leaving Waterford Crystal. Bishops Palace Square is of particular importance as a gateway into the Viking Triangle and the retail core of the City from The Mall. The completion of the public realm works in early 2014 resulted in a distinctive streetscape. The quality of the areas public buildings and historical monuments give it a strong identity, which is further enhanced by the intact streetscapes and the topography.
When these qualities are combined with The Viking Triangle’s history, they bestow an architectural, cultural and civic importance unparalleled in this part of the country.
Waterford’s award winning Medieval Museum
Waterford’s Medieval Museum is a new landmark and major visitor attraction located in the heart of The Viking Triangle. 21
Animation and Events In order to deliver our vision to create a cultural and heritage quarter that offers a vibrant, authentic and distinctive experience for visitors communities and businesses it is imperative that we build on and support a year round expanding events and animation programme. Already there is a comprehensive range of programming, too many to list in detail with many exciting more recent additions including Winterval - Irelands Christmas Festival, Harvest -Food Festival; The Festival of Architecture, The Summer in The City Programme & The WiKid Family Festival. The Invader Opera The first opera to premiere in Waterford City since 1793, the title “The Invader� is reminiscent of the arrival of our Viking ancestors along the River Suir to the walls of our city in 914AD. It was produced by Theatre Royal Productions and presented in one of the finest horseshoe-shaped Victorian theatres in Ireland. This was one of the major civic events planned to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the city. Waterford artists Composer Eric Sweeney & Poet Mark Roper created the Opera and took their inspiration from the parable of The Bacchae by the great Greek playwright, Euripides, bringing this story of human folly and divine anger to life. 22
The opera carries us on a fascinating journey of transformation blurring the lines between laughter and anguish, repression and uninhibited sexuality, reason and illusion, kindness and cruelty. Director Ben Barnes and his celebrated creative team presented this strikingly beautiful composition to the stage in the heart of The Viking Triangle. This represented a wonderful collaboration of creative professionals from our city and beyond and was funded with support from The Arts Council and Waterford City Council. Imagine, Waterford’s Art Festival Imagine serves as a platform for local talent and a showcase for International artists. The festival now in its 12th year is run by an energetic group of volunteer arts workers and supporters of the arts locally. The festival has gained a reputation for innovative programming and quality work and provides an opportunity to experience and participate in a broad range of creative arts in the city.
It begins here...
Spraoi Festival One of Ireland’s leading street arts companies: Spraoi. Now, with over 20 years work in the area of spectacle, outdoor theatre, event and festival management and festival production, Spraoi has amassed a vast wealth of specialist skills and experience. Spraoi is perhaps best known for the annual Spraoi Festival which takes over Waterford City Centre for the entire August bank holiday weekend. In 2013 the footfall for the festival was up a staggering 15.65% on 2012 to 313,575. In fact, there is no longer an August Bank Holiday Weekend in Waterford, it’s better known locally as “The Spraoi Weekend”. The Spraoi Festival concentrates on showcasing top quality national and international street arts and world music.
there is no longer an August Bank Holiday Weekend in Waterford, it’s now better known locally as “The Spraoi Weekend” 23
...a transformation that, step by step, is revealing a true gem and showcasing The Viking Triangle for all it can and will be for future generations The Viking Triangle Trust company will continue to play a key role in unlocking the economic, cultural and heritage potential of The Viking Triangle area of the city. It will work collaboratively with other key stakeholders in order to build on the progress to date in the creation of an anchor attraction for the region. All of this work will be firmly focused on developing The Viking Triangle area of our city as a key catalyst for the future economic regeneration of Waterford City as a memorable visitor destination.
The Viking Triangle Trust Company Ltd., Brick Lane, The Viking Triangle Waterford City, Ireland. WaterfordVikingTriangle.com Facebook.com/WaterfordVikingTriangle