Redevelopment of park and former bakery site warmly welcomed

Meath Co Council has welcomed planning approval for its proposals to transform the Spicer's Bakery and Andy Brennan Park and says it is pursuing grant funding for the construction stage of the project.

"Meath Co Council is delighted to receive planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for their Spicer’s Bakery/Andy Brennan Park Strategic Project, which has the ability to transform this part of Navan. The council is reviewing the decision by ABP and preparing a procurement and construction strategy," a council spokesperson said.

"It is envisaged that the project will progress in phases with advance surveys and contracts to address environmental conditions attached to the ABP approval. A source of grant funding for the construction phase of the project is also being pursued."

Cllr Eddie Fennessy said it was "great news" for Navan and that the redevelopment of the Andy Brennan Park and old Spicer's site would transform that part of the town for the better.

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"Replacing the derelict houses on the Kentstown Road with a stepped plaza entrance and the installation of an urban sports space suitable for skate boarding and roller blading, a canal themed playground and the restoration of the old fishing platform, will make the park a much more family-friendly space and it will attract huge numbers of people to the area.

"The conservation and preservation plan for the old Spicer's Bakery site has much to be excited about too. A cafe, a public plaza and what I'm most excited about, a bandstand, will completely transform a derelict eyesore into what will be, a desirable public amenity.

"Plans to deliver this project have been a long time in the making and I want to thank the council for their hard work to date. I'd like to see a big push now to deliver this project as quickly as possible.

"When the Boyne Valley Blueway comes to Navan over the coming years, it will bring with it tens of thousands of visitors to the area. First impressions last and what better way to capture those visitors and draw them into the town centre than with a top class civic space and public amenity."