Kildare Chamber of Commerce

Kildare Chamber of Commerce response to Magee Barracks Draft Framework Plan

Ref: Chamber Executive Meeting Tuesday 27th November 2007

Ten-Acre Pledge

The ten-acre pledge or market value there of - as agreed with the Department of Defence, is seen by all as being delivered over and above the normal community gain that would ordinarily attach to a development of this magnitude.

There is concern that if the pledge is provided in its entirety on the Magee Barracks site, that it may be subsumed in the normal community gain aspect.

We need clarification regarding the proposed community facility. What does it comprise of? How will it be funded? Who will manage the day to day running?

Concern arose in that a similar community sports and recreational centre, as proposed under this framework plan is currently at the planning stage for an adjacent site. This we feel places doubts over the feasibility of this aspect of the framework plan.

It is our opinion that the ten-acre pledge should take the form of the monetary value there of and be invested in community facilities as directed by our local representatives.

No part of the value of these ten acres can be used to subsidise government objectives on site and therefore must come off the top rather than represent a % of residual.

Heritage

We are pleased that the new framework plan recognises the heritage value of the existing barracks entrance gates and the listed military buildings on site.

The Kildare Town Chamber of Commerce fully endorse the retention of these features and would promote the use of the existing buildings as the ideal location for the Kildare County Museum as designated for Kildare town under the existing LAP.

Civic and Commercial

We welcome the provision of office space to accommodate 400 decentralised jobs a

Can this deal be copper fastened?

The provision of 2000-4000 sq m of local service retail is seen as an essential element to create a vibrant social aspect and sense of community.

Housing

There was serious concerns expressed regarding the provision of 40% social & affordable housing in the new scheme

What happens if this volume of subsidised housing is not sold, as is currently evident in developments in neighbouring towns such as Newbridge and Rathangan?

How many people are currently on the affordable housing list in county Kildare?

What is the anticipated volume of delivery of affordable homes in Kildare Town taking into consideration all zoned lands in the existing LAP?

The decision to deliver a high proportion of affordable homes in Magee Barracks is seen to be politically motivated, rather than driven by what is right and proper for Kildare Town.

We believe that Magee Barracks is a highly marketable site and that the local need is for low density, high value detached homes for trading up and high quality townhouse/apartment dwellings for trading down. There is in our opinion a sufficient supply start up and mid-range homes coming on stream in alternative developments around the town.

Movement & Accesibility

Has a proper assessment of the impact of traffic flow been carried? For example how will the increase in traffic impact on the “Railway Stores” junction? How do you propose to deal with this potential problem?

In Principle we support the integration and access routes outlined in the plan, but recognise there may be resistance from surrounding resident associations. Perhaps a phased introduction of interconnecting access routes could be the optimum compromise as confidence builds with the development.

Parks, Recreation & Community Gain

7.5acres of open space representing 12% of the development is proposed.

What is the minimum statutory requirement of parks/open space, as a percentage of land area, for a development of this size?

Can you give a comparable site reference?

Scale Model

It was agreed that there is a requirement to display a scale model to accompany the statutory process of adopting the new plan, in which details of quality standards should be addressed that will identify how this site will achieve high standards of quality and design.

We look forward to having the opportunity to make a more detailed submission to accompany the statutory process in due course

Brendan Guilfoyle
Chairman Kildare Town Chamber of Commerce