Navan's future... ‘Rail station and civic plaza will be focal point of new urban quarter’

These lands are zoned in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 as ‘Commercial Town or Village Centre’, with the exception of the pitch and putt course which is zoned as open space. They predominantly include the area of Master Plan 6 and 9 as identified in the Development Plan.

Meath County Council has commenced the preparation of the overall Master Plan, which has been designated to provide for the extension of Navan Town centre and potential location for the future Navan Central Rail Station as part of the new proposed Navan Rail Line. Currently underutilised, these lands have the potential to accommodate a major new town centre expansion area based on sustainable transport and will regenerate the site through the development of the Navan Central Rail Station and complementary commercial, retail and residential development. The rail station and a civic plaza in this new urban quarter will be a focal point in any future development, with commercial uses being complementary to the core retail area of the town.

Achieving greater connectivity to and from the subject lands to the existing town centre as well as integrating with the Navan Cultural Quarter, the Fair Green, Pairc Tailteann, Navan hospital and adjoining community, educational and recreational land use are priorities for the plan and essential to the future vitality and viability of the town. The Plan will also support and complement the ‘Vision’ for Navan as outlined in ‘Navan 2050’ and ‘Navan Town Centre Integrated Public Realm and Movement Plan 2030’ by promoting an economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable town, with a distinctive and attractive public realm, and high-quality services for all.

Urban design consultants ‘Building Design Partnership’ (BDP) have been appointed by Meath County Council to assist with the preparation of the Plan. Meath County Council is engaging with all key stakeholders, including Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority. Guidance will be provided in the plan, which will aid in both unlocking and stimulating development and introduce greater clarity and certainty into the planning process.

The preparation of the Masterplan presents an exceptional opportunity to develop a high-quality accessible town centre expansion area which provides a wide range of uses. It will further enhance Navan as an attractive location for retail, commercial, employment, residential and amenity purposes, increase access to local employment opportunities, reverse private car commuting trends and support quality town centre living, ultimately drawing more investment and visitors to the town. Over the coming weeks, there will be an opportunity for relevant stakeholders and the public to get involved in the plan making process through pre-draft consultation.

Permission was granted in June 2021 for the demolition of 13 No. industrial/commercial building structures on these lands. The applicant was ES Corella Creek Ltd. Permission was previously granted for developments on these lands under planning application. These applications included for the demolition of all existing structures on site, construction of phase1 of the designated town centre expansion comprising of a retail development providing for 35,524m2 gross floor area which included three anchor retail units, 42 retail units, food court, 795 car parking spaces, civic space, vehicular access points, internal vehicular roads and associated infrastructure. These permissions were not implemented and have since expired.