€300m harbour revamp to feature 220-berth marina

Computer-generated images of a €300 million redevelopment scheme for Greystones harbour in Co Wicklow were shown to members of Greystones Town Council for the first time this week.

The images show a 220-berth marina north of the existing harbour which dates from 1886, relocated sailing, angling, and rowing clubs, sea rescue facilities and a new boat yard. There will also be a boardwalk and promenade extending northwards in a line from the existing Trafalgar Road to provide public access to the marina and a new north pier.

A significant amount of land will be reclaimed from the sea at the old north beach which, along with space currently occupied by the boat clubs and some local businesses, will provide a mix of shops, cafes, apartments and houses. This commercial element, which amounts to about 6,400sq m (68,890sq ft), is intended to finance the development.

Envisaged are 375 apartments which the images indicate are arranged in a number of blocks rising to five storeys. The housing element of the project is the most controversial, having drawn criticism from locals who claim both the height and density are too large.

However, councillors who inspected the images this week were told the views of the mountains and sea from the harbour will still be visible and could be enjoyed by pedestrians on the new boardwalk as well as existing waterfront homes. The buildings are to be arranged in a series of public squares and a 16-acre town park will be provided north of the new homes between the railway line and the sea.

Playing and performance areas will be incorporated in the park which will also form part of a scheme to protect the cliff walk between Bray and Greystones.

Earlier this year, Wicklow County Council announced it had chosen the Sispar consortium as its private sector partner to build the scheme. Sispar is made up of house builders Park Developments and civil engineering company Sisk.

As well as owning the housing and commercial elements of the scheme, Sispar will manage the marina for about 25 years before it reverts to council ownership. The council has already begun a compulsory purchase scheme for 79 acres including 35 acres of foreshore.

According to Wicklow County Council's project manager Seán Quirke, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the scheme could be ready to be submitted to Bord Pleanála by this autumn. "All going well", construction could start start in early 2006.

"Work on the harbour and public elements is to begin first" he said. Based on this, completion would be sometime in 2010.

Not all Greystones residents and harbour users are pleased. Former Greystones councillor Fiachra Etchingham has criticised the development as being too ambitious. He also criticised the housing and commercial elements as being too large.

However, local councillor Derek Mitchell welcomed these plans, saying the town had been trying to repair the harbour "since it stated to collapse 100 years ago. This plan will provide youth and community facilities as well as a major civic space which will be the focal point of this maritime town.

"It has been designed to provide added protection, taking global warming into account. The 220-berth marina will have 10 per cent of berths reserved for visitors and I hope that we will get many visiting boats from Wales. It is expected to take five years to construct."