Shopping centre will be a blend of old and new
Kilkenny People, Wednesday, 4th April 2007

The massive new development beside Kilkenny's train station will be like nothing the city has seen before, but the architects have taken steps to blend the shopping centre into the city's current landscape.

Studies were carried out into the heights and sizes of buildings along the city's streets, and also the widths and proportions of the laneways.

This information was then incorporated into the design of Mac Donagh Junction, according to a representative of the architects Anthony Reddy and Associates.

For instance the internal laneway which will be known as 'Workshop Lane' leading to the Hebron Road, was modelled on the slipways which wind through the city centre.

The city's heritage is further incorporated as the old workhouse is a central feature of the e250 million retail, business and residential development which is scheduled to open this autumn.

A section called Workhouse Square is a plaza which will be covered by a glass roof with openings on the sides so that it is sheltered from the rain but is not simply another mall, according to the architects.

Concerns have been raised that Mac Donagh Junction will lure shoppers away from the High Street area, but the developers hope that it will instead add to the city centre by revitalising the upper end of John Street.

Dunnes Stores will be the anchor store, and other shops will include Barrett Shoes, Carphone Warehouse, Champion Sports, Clarks Shoes, Costa Coffee, Dr & Herb, Fields Jewellers, Gloria Jean's Coffee, Health Express, Next, Peter Mark, Pull & Bear, River Island, The Health Store, Sisley, 3 Phones, TK Maxx, Virgin and Zumo juice bar.

The developers are also "at an advanced stage in negotiations with a number of well known European labels", and Mac Donagh Junction is due to include offices, restaurants, apartments, a hotel, exhibition space, bowling alley and gym.

Six hundred people are employed in the construction of Mac Donagh Junction, and it is expected to employ 500 people when it opens.

Paul Hanby, one of the principal partners in MacDonagh Junction, said at a 'topping out' ceremony on Friday afternoon that the developers were grateful for the welcome they have received in Kilkenny.

He also said they were committed to making a continuing contribution to the city's social and economic life.

"Every effort is being made to ensure that it will be attractive, convenient and enjoyable for people to visit," Mr Hanby said.

City mayor Martin Brett remarked that the development was daunting, to say the least" and said he hoped it would bring new energy to the city and attract visitors from neighbouring counties.

"We as a council have been looking at ways to revitalise the northern part of the city," he pointed out. "We are trying to make sure Kilkenny is everybody's destination in terms of shopping."

3D aerial view of model

3D Image - Workhouse Square