Press Release 13/12/05
A series of progressive talks have taken place between Waterford City Management, the Mayor, Elected Members, Ballybeg Residents and Parker Green International; the developers who purchased the Waterford Crystal 22-acre site on the Cork Road in June 2005.
The specified land, adjacent to the Ballybeg estate had been rezoned from recreational to commercial prior to the purchase.
The meetings were organised as part of a wider consultation process to allow the developer the opportunity to present initial design concepts and discuss the development’s overall impact on Waterford City.
Dr. Gerard O’Hare, Group Managing Director of Parker Green International commenting on the recent talks with the Ballybeg community and the unique designs for the new commercial development stated:
“As an experienced and quality developer, we know the importance of consulting at an early stage with the local community, in advance of any project. Above all else development is about people and the impact that the development will have on a local environment.
It is therefore crucial to meet with the local community on their own turf and address any issues they have with the development. This forum gives each person the opportunity to be heard.”
“We are conscious of the importance of the history and heritage of these lands and if good development is about managing the process of change then we cannot progress our proposals without first considering the impact on the Ballybeg district. With over 3000 people residing in this area and with the planned future development of 1200 new homes under the current area plan, this project and location can become an important future nucleus for this expanding community.”
“The idea of creating a ‘lifestyle village’ for the community - to provide jobs, excellent retail and community facilities has been met with a very positive response. Our vision as the developer was always integration with the local community, an expansion of their village rather than an invasion of their territory.
We wish to facilitate this area of Waterford to grow economically and socially.”
“Over the 5-10 year period that these lands will be developed, we expect to create over 1000 jobs with at least 400 jobs in the first phase of the development . This will be a welcome boost to the area.”
“Our proposed design concept is a breath of fresh air in comparison to standard tin-roofed retail parks. It is a diversity of modern architecture with a centre court consisting of a sunken amphitheatre, and an iconic crystal-like building designed to reflect and honour the world-famous handcrafted, Waterford Crystal industry”.
The proposed ‘lifestyle village’ will also incorporate a Multiplex cinema, a polyclinic, office space, retail units, a hotel with an attached iconic building and will be used in a way to reflect the history and culture of Waterford’s rich past.
Subject to planning the new ‘Crystal village ‘ at Ballybeg will be fully operational by 2009.
ENDS