Cleeves Riverside Quarter Regeneration first phase works underway

First phase begins move of Cleeves Riverside Quarter Regeneration first phase works underway from vision to delivery. James Collins, Chair of Limerick Twenty Thirty , John Moran, Mayor of Limerick , Kieran O’Donnell, Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Patricia Liddy, Director of Transportation, Mobility & Placemaking, Limerick City & County Council and Daniel Burke, Assistant Principle Urban Regeneration and Development. Pic Arthur Ellis

Works commence on phase one of the Cleeves Riverside Quarter Regeneration project with stabilisation, consolidation and repair works on protected Flaxmill building

Works are underway on Phase I of the landmark €400 million-plus Cleeves Riverside Quarter regeneration, marking a major milestone in the transformation of the historic 10-acre project in the heart of Limerick.

Sisk has been appointed as contractor to deliver this phase, which will focus on the stabilisation, consolidation and repair of the protected 175-year-old Flaxmill building, one of Limerick’s most significant industrial heritage structures.

The works, which will run for 15 months, are being delivered on behalf of Limerick Twenty Thirty (LTT), developers of the wider project, with funding support from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), and represent the first critical step in the comprehensive redevelopment of the Cleeves Riverside Quarter.

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Phase I involves heritage-led stabilisation and repair works to the Flaxmill’s upper storey and roof, safeguarding the long-term future of the iconic building while enabling its integration into the wider regeneration of the site.

The transformation of the historic Flaxmill later in the wider programme into a centre for academic, educational, and student facilities will set a new standard for regenerative conversions of old industrial buildings into inspired urban centrepieces.

The protected Flaxmill building is one of Limerick’s most significant industrial heritage structures, and its age and condition require a careful, conservation‑led approach to repair and stabilise the building. Built around 1853, the Flaxmill is a rare surviving example of nineteenth‑century industrial architecture and forms a central element of Cleeves Riverside Quarter.

LTT appointed a specialist conservation team led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCB Studios), an internationally recognised UK‑based practice renowned for its work on historic and protected structures. Working alongside Limerick‑based Architectural Conservation Professionals, the team has undertaken detailed surveys, investigations and design development over several years.

FCB Studios assigned architects accredited in building conservation, each with extensive experience in the repair and adaptive reuse of nationally and internationally significant heritage buildings. Their portfolio includes the award‑winning conservation and reuse of the 200‑year‑old Shrewsbury Flaxmill for English Heritage in the UK, an industrial building closely comparable in scale, form and historical significance to the Flaxmill.

For the construction phase, Sisk has assembled a team of highly skilled craftspeople, including specialist stonemasons, timber experts and ironwork professionals, who will carry out the conservation‑led stabilisation and repair works. Their expertise ensures that the building is treated with the precision, traditional craftsmanship and respect required for a structure of such heritage importance.

Phase I forms part of the broader Cleeves Riverside Quarter programme, which will transform the former industrial site on the banks of the River Shannon into a new, connected urban neighbourhood.

Limerick Twenty Thirty submitted a planning application in November for Phase II, the first major ‘build’ phase of the project. The planning application provides for the delivery of a mixed-tenure residential and student neighbourhood accommodating approximately 1,000 people, including 234 high-quality homes and 270 purpose-built student rooms.

The plans also include 299 sq m of commercial space, a crèche, and almost two acres of high-quality public realm, featuring new parks, plazas and gardens, including the Reservoir/Quarry Park, Flaxmill Square, and a Riverside Corridor connecting the site to the wider city. The development will support both city-scale events and everyday recreation, with opportunities for water-based activity arising from the on-site reservoir and proximity to the River Shannon.

Kieran O’Donnell, Minister of State for Older People and Housing, said, “The works to the Flaxmill as a protected structure are a crucial first step in unlocking the full potential of the site and I look forward to seeing the project progress and the benefits it will bring to the new Cleeves Riverside Quarter and Limerick City for many years to come”.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said the beginnign of the project marks an “important milestone for Limerick”.

He said, “This is, ultimately, another key step towards unlocking the wider regeneration of the Cleeves site, which is lodged for planning. When developed, this centrally located site has the potential to provide much-needed homes alongside a high-quality public realm offering, strengthening our city centre and creating a place that works for people now and into the future.”

James Collins, Chairman of Limerick Twenty Thirty, said, “The commencement of Phase I works at the Flaxmill is a hugely important moment for Limerick. This building is an integral part of the city’s industrial heritage, and these carefully planned stabilisation and repair works ensure it will be protected, respected and repurposed as part of a vibrant new city quarter. With works now underway on site and planning lodged for Phase II, the project is moving decisively from vision to delivery. This is a major step forward for Limerick City Centre and for the sustainable reuse of our historic assets.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said “The works at the Flaxmill are the first tangible step in unlocking the full potential of the Cleeves Riverside Quarter, a strategic city centre site that will deliver new homes, student accommodation, employment and high-quality public spaces. It is this blending of history, community and quality design that will define our vision for Limerick’s future.”

Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, said: “By investing in our heritage today, with support from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, we are creating the conditions for economic vitality, social connectivity and a stronger region.”

Roy Browne, Senior Contracts Manager, Sisk said, “We have begun mobilising on site and look forward to commencing stabilisation and repair works. Our team, together with our specialist local supply chain partners, is committed to ensuring that the history and integrity of the flaxmill is preserved for future generations.”