Waterford City Council has granted planning permission for the ambitious €200 million Waterford North Quays, Waterford City development, designed by Douglas Wallace Consultants on behalf of Harcourt Developments
The eagerly anticipated project, master-planned and designed by leading architectural practice Douglas Wallace Consultants on behalf of Harcourt Developments, promises to utterly transform Waterford’s cityscape.
The landmark project proposes nine new blocks strategically positioned along the northern quays of the River Suir in Waterford City Centre. This transformative scheme includes a four-star hotel, an apart-hotel, 350 residential apartments, an expansive office block, diverse retail and food and beverage units, and a childcare facility.
Central to the development is the creation of extensive public spaces, featuring two new civic plazas—the Bridge Plaza at the Sustainable Transport Bridge and the Station Square near the future Transport Hub. Additionally, a stunning riverfront promenade, pocket parks, and a comprehensive greenway cycling route will form key elements of this new urban quarter. Enhanced accessibility through paths, cycling facilities, and multiple bridges, currently under construction, will seamlessly connect the site with the existing city core and surrounding areas.
Lead designer, Stephen Shally at Douglas Wallace Consultants said, “Our design is part of an ambitious master plan for Waterford City, specifically crafted to create distinctive, memorable spaces that enrich the sense of place for residents and citizens. The site layout, featuring interconnected civic plazas and the vibrant riverfront promenade, is designed to foster community interaction and enjoyment.”
A key feature is the new Sustainable Transport Bridge, already underway, which will connect North and South Quays, significantly enhancing pedestrian, cyclist, and public transport accessibility. The development integrates seamlessly with the existing transport infrastructure, including the forthcoming multimodal Transport Hub incorporating rail and bus stations, while supporting sustainable urban living and reduced car dependency.
The design accommodates a diverse residential mix, offering one, two, and three-bedroom apartments designed to appeal to a broad demographic, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable urban community. The development is poised to breathe new life and vitality into the North Quays, creating a significant new residential and commercial district for Waterford.
Architect, Hugh Wallace of Douglas Wallace Consultants commended the planners and Council Members and said, “Waterford City planners, have consistently shown themselves to be dynamic and forward-thinking. They have a refreshing ‘can-do’ attitude and are committed to the redevelopment of the city.”
“Harcourt Developments has been at the heart of urban transformations in many cities, most notably the Titanic Quarter in Belfast which is now one of the most exciting visitor attractions in Europe and is a must visit destination in Northern Ireland. Waterford North Quays will completely reimagine the city, it will be fantastic for residents, for tourism and hospitality outlets and will provide visitors with a lasting and positive experience of Waterford.”
He went on to say, “The North Quays project represents a unique urban development opportunity, significantly enhancing city permeability and fostering sustainable mobility options through enhanced connectivity. It aligns with the government’s goals for urban renewal and sustainable living while also establishing a new city centre north of the River Suir for the first time in Waterford’s history. It will future proof Waterford city and will enrich the lives of so many people living and working in the area. The granting of planning permission for this development is a truly pivotal moment for Waterford City’s regeneration and growth.”
The development notably includes a critical segment of the Greenway, linking the existing Waterford-Dungarvan route to the proposed Waterford-New Ross greenway, extending a total of over 70 kilometres. The public realm has been meticulously designed for universal accessibility, ensuring that every space within the development is inclusive and welcoming.
For more information see www.harcourtdev.com and www.douglaswallace.com
