Demolition works due to begin at old Spicers bakery building ahead of major redevelopment

Demolition work is due to begin on the old Spicers building on the Athlumney Road in Navan, paving the way for a major redevelopment of the site and adjacent Ramparts car park.

Hegarty Demolition Ltd were appointed by Meath County Council to demolish the Spicers factory building and they commenced on site last week.

The Council said the building had become a focus for antisocial behaviour and in the interest of public safety they progressed the demolition as an advanced works contract.

The site has been earmarked for a major regeneration which will transform the old bakery site and the Andy Brennan Park across the road.

Last April, Hegarty Ltd were appointed to demolish the derelict properties at the entrance to Andy Brennan Park, which opened the park and river to the road.

Meath County Council said a source of grant funding for the construction phase of the project is also being pursued. "When this is finalised, the council will be in a position to give further information on construction start and completion dates for the project."

The Mayor of Navan, Cllr Eddie Fennessy said commencement of the demolition works on the old Spicers Bakery site was very welcome news for the town.

"It follows on from similar works carried out at the Andy Brennan Park recently. Both sites form part of a regeneration project that will completely transform that part of Navan.

“Proposals for the Spicer’s site include a café, a bike rental facility and what I’m most excited about, a public plaza with a bandstand. The site will be transformed from a derelict eyesore to desirable civic amenity that everyone in the community will benefit from.

“It is envisaged that tens of thousands of visitors will come to Navan when the Boyne Blueway project reaches the town. What better way to greet those visitors than with a state-of-the-art facility. I’ve said it before, first impressions last, this project can only but impress new visitors and hopefully it will entice them into the town.

“Navan will benefit in many ways from this regeneration project, I am delighted to see a much awaited start at last.”

The county council was granted planning permission last year for a major revamp of the Andy Brennan Park as well as the major redevelopment of the former Spicers Bakery site and adjacent car park.

Central to the plan is 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 Athlumney 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.

The main body of Andy Brennan Park will be redesigned as an urban sports park, suitable for skateboarding, 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.