Ambitious €2m plans to transform the Milk Market into a "movable feast of uses" by next September are expected to be submitted to Limerick City Council's planning office within the next few days.
Under the new plans, the market will operate for six days a week and could also be used as a performance space, according to Market Trustees chairman David O'Mahony.
A 120-seat restaurant, stretching from the first floor of the nearby Market House, will also overlook the market.
The multi-million contract to rejuvenate the Milk Market was contracted to the award winning architects Michael Healy & Partners this May, who competed with a number of local architectural bodies, including Quin Savage Smith and Murray O'Laoire,for the contract.
Architect Michael Healy has described the plans as "dynamic" and said it will create a much greater atmosphere in that area.
Six permanent units near Market House will provide anchors for other stallholders and traders and the market itself will be weatherproofed to make it sustainable and attractive to farmers, traders and visitors alike.
"This is a public space, we have no set script - it will take time to evolve but we will encourage all sorts of activities," said Mr O'Mahony.
Milk Market |
"The whole idea is to present a space that will be attractive to a multiple of micro-businesses with other changeable attractions around them.
Local small business start-ups will have an opportunity to use this area as a showcase for their talent."
He said the market trustee board, which includes a number of city councillors, will fund the majority of the project. However, he declined to comment if outside investment will be sought.
Rather, the new restaurant will provide the "financial foundation" for the revitalised Milk Market and expects it will open each morning and evening.
Market trustee, Cllr Kevin Kiely said this is a very welcome development and described the plans, which have been in the pipeline for four years, as "long overdue".
The redevelopment of the Milk Market was revealed in the first free magazine produced by Limerick Co-Ordination Office, titled City Matters, which focuses on major developments within the city.
The magazine is expected to be published four times per year.
Commenting on the first publication,city co-ordinator Andrew Mawhinney said, "It is important for the morale of the city and future investment that this information is shared."
