County Archive plans ‘need modifications to protect wild areas’

As the planning process for the refurbishment of the old St Patrick's study hall building in Navan begins, a prominent local architect has warned the proposals will face a judicial review if minor modifications are not made to to the plans.

Paul Leech said that while he is pleased with proposals to refurbish the building as a county archive, there are a number of minor modifications would help conserve important aspects of the building and a wildlife area in the grounds.

He has warned that if those important modifications weren't made to the proposals he would be forced to see a judicial review of the plans.

Meath County Council plans to create a county archive in the iconic “duck-egg” building as part of Navan's planned cultural quarter.

The development which will form part of an overall plan for that area, including the old county council lands at Railway Street.

The proposals also include the restoration of the old handball alley, the demolition of a number of superflous structures on the site, the provision of a plant maintenance building, a plaza and amphitheatre.

Fears for the iconic building had intensified last summer, when the roof fell in sparking fears that the structure could collapse altogether.

At last week's meeting of Navan Municipal District Council, councillors were told that the part eight planning progress was about to begin and there would be a public consultation.

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy described the proposal as “impressive.”

“Its aim to develop the site for multiple use is commendable and I thank the council for the work they've put into it.

“There is a lot of history attached to the Study Hall and I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say I'm delighted to see its restoration take shape at last.

“Of particular interest is the proposal to develop an outdoor amphitheatre. The potential to link it with the Solstice Arts Centre for musical and theatrical performances is an exciting prospect and something I'd like to see developed in the future.

“I'm also delighted the county archive will finally see the light of day. It's an interesting collection I believe, to have a display space is most welcome indeed.

“The significance of this project can not be understated. Two greenways will arrive in Navan over the next eighteen months and bring with them thousands of tourists every year.

“The study hall will play a crucial role in the development of a town centre tourism trade that will build up around those greenways. This project needs to be commenced as quickly as possible.”

Following the meeting, Cllr Emer Toibin said she was appalled that councillors weren't given a chance to discuss the proposals.

“There was no forum for discussion. I am the last person to want to slow down progress on this, but the council's record hasn't been superb so far and it is our job to ensure that the money is spent correctly.

“Others don't feel the council is doing a good a job as it could. There are concerns about the removal of woodland and trees. The proposed amphitheatre could be within the ball alley where there would be wonderful natural acoustics and there would be no need to remove the trees.”

Mr Leech said that a wild area had been allowed to develop because of the neglect of the building over the years and was now a wonder of nature.

“It has flourished and created a kind of Eden. The proposal for an amphitheatre is a great idea but not in the middle of the wild wood.

“It could be moved to immediately outside the handball alley, the acoustics would be great and it could still be used as a ball alley.”

He said the area for setting down cars and wheelchair access could be moved towards the railway line.

Mr Leech also took issue with the fact that the original trusses will not be used in the refurbished building.

He said there was a process called flitching by which some of the trusses could be preserved and used.

“What marks the building out is the tripartite Wyatt windows which are a distinguishing feature of this heritage building. They are curved and are not being put back, but at least one should be preserved and displayed indoors.”

He indicated he would be pleased with the proposals if these modifications were carried out but otherwise “it would be better to just walk away and let it rot into the wild wood and let nature take it back..

The chief exectuve's report on the planning process noted that some of submissions received raised concern about the removal of trees.

She said she was satisfied their removal was justified in the interest of amenity and particularly the safety of future users of the amphitheatre area.