Visit Waterford were delighted to see the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar breaking ground on the new North Quays Development last month. The funding for this new development was approved in late November 2022 and will see an investment of 170.6 million in the city’s north side.
This new multi-purpose development will see 106 million in investment from the Urban Regeneration and Development fund and a further 70 million from the National Transport Authority. This regeneration of Waterford City will see the development of offices, residential and retail spaces along with accommodation and investment in tourism including conference and exhibition facilities, a 4-star hotel and a visitor centre. With an emphasis on improving the public realm, the project will create jobs during construction, and once completed aims to attract national and global companies to this prime commercial location. Ireland’s oldest city will see the creation of new civic and retail spaces as well as residential and pedestrianised areas, most notably it will transform Waterford’s transport infrastructure. Waterford’s new state-of-the-art transport infrastructure will place the city at the fore of transport development nationally. The transport development will see the train, bus, taxi, cycling and car parking all in one location with the development of a sustainable bridge for pedestrians and a courtesy bus service, reducing the need for private cars which will be beneficial to the national climate change initiative.
Image: Patrick Browne
Arguably one of the most exciting aspects of the project is that it will connect Waterford’s award-winning Greenway to the Southeast Greenways, further enhancing the walking routes in the city. This new development will undoubtedly increase the city’s economic, cultural and commercial offerings. The modern multi-purpose development will further enhance Waterford City as a sustainable and attractive place to live. The project is set to be completed by 2025 and Visit Waterford are very much anticipating the positive impact that this development will have on Waterford city and county as well as the wider southwestern region in attracting business tourism, leisure tourism and increasing footfall on the Greenway while connecting the region. It will further enhance Waterford’s title as Ireland’s best place to live.
