Ambitious plan to return ‘no-go’ park to the community

A MAJOR redevelopment of the former Spicers Bakery site and Andy Brennan Park in Navan is set to transform that area of the town under plans being progressed by Meath County Council.

Central to the plan is the demolition of four derelict houses and the creation of a stepped plaza area which will form the entrance to the redesigned Andy Brennan Park, while on the other side of the Kentstown Road, there will be a new cafe in the bakery office building with a plaza area outside, and the Ramparts Car Park will also be upgraded and extended.

Both the derelict houses and Andy Brennan Park have long since been focal points for anti-social behaviour making it a no-go area and the park is not used by residents or visitors because of it.

This plan aims to address the dereliction and anti-social behaviour and bring the area back into use as a recreational space with a new canal themed playground and an urban sports area.

Also part of the plan is the conservation and preservation of the original Spicers Bakery building which is a protected structure and the demolition of outbuildings and sheds. In later phases of the development, the Council intends to restore the bakery building, which operated from the late 19th Century until 2012. The entire site fell into dereliction after the bakery closed and became the focus of anti-social behaviour with a fire causing substantial damage in 2017 to the buildings adjacent to Navan Silver Band's premises.

As well as conserving the bakery building, the two-storey office building on the site is to be redeveloped as a cafe with an associated public realm area including a bandstand.

The Ramparts car park is set for an upgrade too with the car park to be extended. New entry and exit points will be provided and the capacity of the car park will increase from 52 spaces to 64 spaces. A bike stand for nine bikes is also proposed and two pedestrian crossings are to be provided.

Meath County Council was successful in obtaining Urban Renewal Funding in 2018 for the Navan Land Activation project which funded the purchase of the former Spicers Bakery site and the four derelict terraced houses on the Kentstown Road at Andy Brennan Park.

An overall concept masterplan for the area was prepared by Paul Hogarth and Company Landscape Architects.

Now a planning application has been lodged with An Bord Pleanala for the first phase of the development.

According to the planning report accompanying the application: "The proposed development will remove dereliction and will strengthen and develop the area’s existing riverfront heritage assets, environmental resources and social amenities into a dynamic range of vibrant and attractive parkland facilities, ecological protected areas and unique attractions for residents and visitors."

The regeneration project will tie in with extensive works already under way in the town as part of the Navan 2030 programme.

The planning report notes that Andy Brennan Park has "failed to reach its potential as a public amenity given its accessible location".

"The lack of footfall in the park has resulted in a significant level of anti-social behaviour occurring in the area which has compounded the undesirability of the park as a place to recreate," it said.

The redesigned park will have a stepped entrance way facilitated by the demolition of the four derelict houses to open up the site.

The Somerville Canal Bridge will also be restored and lit, with a lowering of the ground level beneath to increase head room. Steps from this space up to the main road will be redesigned and built to improve accessibility.

The main body of Andy Brennan Park will be redesigned as an urban sports park, suitable for skatebording, roller blading, parkour and other activities. At the end of a straight path reminiscent of the former canal there, will be a canal themed accessible play facility. The fishing platform will also be restored.

Full plans can be viewed at Meath County Council's headquarters at Buvinda House, at Bord Pleanala's offices on Marlborugh Street, Dublin, or online at www.meath.ie/consultations.