BREAKING: Thousands of new jobs as plans for €350m North Quays development in Ferrybank are lodged

The planning application for one of the largest developments even seen in the South East has finally been lodged this morning, paving the way for the creation of thousands of local jobs.

Confirmation of the long-awaited application for the €350 million North Quays regeneration project in Ferrybank was made by Falcon Real Estate Development Ireland this morning.

The company said work on the project, subject to the granting of planning permission, “is likely” to start by the fourth quarter of 2020.

In a statement issued this morning, the company said: “Falcon Real Estate Development Ireland confirms that it has submitted its application for Planning Permission to Waterford City and County Council for the Waterford North Quays development.”

Waterford North Quays, an eight hectare real estate mixed use scheme, was designated as a SDZ (Strategic Development Zone) by the Government in 2016.

Falcon Real Estate said there will be a €500m “estimated investment” in the both North Quays and the new Michael Street Shopping Centre, delivering “nearly 2,900 full time jobs by 2023 – and 4,500 indirect jobs”.

According to the developers, the North Quays project will include the following:

*Over eight hectares of urban regeneration on a south-facing 1km quayside waterfront in the city-centre;
*A seven storey twin block comprising 15,000 square metres of prime office space adjacent to the city’s train and bus station;
*Five residential buildings ranging in height from 7 to 17 storeys, with 300 riverside apartments to accommodate 500 to 600 residents;
*A 15-storey 220-room 4-star hotel and conference centre;
*An extensive open public space “designed to attract visitors from Waterford, the surrounding areas and international tourists”;
*A modern and “multi-nodal sustainable” transport hub;
*A mixed use commercial building destination comprising “tourism, retail, food and beverage and leisure”.

Commenting on the planning application, Falcon Real Estate Development said: “The submission of the application marks completion of the planning phase whilst commercialization is on-going. This is an exciting step forward for this landmark urban regeneration for the community and emphasises our ambition to create a very high quality, amenity-led environment for the residents of Waterford and the South East.

“The two projects of North Quays and Michael Street will make Waterford and the South East an unrivalled destination in South East Ireland. In addition, the future sustainable transportation hub combines to give public transport connectivity, direct access to the country’s motorways and national road network, making it an outstanding location for both prime office, tourism and retail occupiers, in addition to new residents.

“We are acutely aware of the enormous public expectations for the North Quays and Michael Street projects. We are working closely with Waterford County Council, Kilkenny Council, Government Departments and State bodies, to ensure the delivery of the two developments and look forward to the imminent announcement of the Government funding model to deliver its Ireland 2040 project.”