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The Denny factory chimney. Photo By: Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©
A SPACE museum, micro-brewery and events centre were just a few of the ideas put forward from members of the public who gathered for two workshops in the Brandon Hotel on Tuesday to discuss plans and pitch ideas for the old Denny factory site near the Island of Geese which is due to be redeveloped.
It was the final phase of the ‘Share My Idea’ consultation period between Kerry County Council and the community around what to do with the two acre former Denny factory site.
“The purpose of today was to create a development brief and then go to experts who will then guide the next phase,” said project manager of ‘Share My Idea’, Kevin Burns.
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The workshops featured round-table discussions with groups representing, businesses, older people, students, community groups, sports and recreation bodies as well as former employees of the Denny factory.
Some ideas put forward were, a memorial for Denny factory workers, space museum, micro-brewery, bakery, bike centre hub, arts and events centre, food hall and art gallery.
Across the board, it was felt that the site should incorporate a multi-purpose building of some kind.
It was also felt that the old red brick Denny chimney should be retained and become the focal point of the site, with an idea to turn it into a viewing tower and tourist attraction.
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Speaking were local authority Town Architects, Guilia Vallone (Clonakilty, Cork County Council) and Simon Wall (Westport, Mayo County Council).
They outlined the much heralded works undertaken in their towns in recent years and the planning philosophies and management systems that informed both of these success stories.
Architect, Simon Wall, felt it was very important that the space be multi-functional so the area would remain a vibrant area around the year. To include residential buildings, retail, offices, sculptures and somehow facilitate a link with IT Tralee so that students can become a more visible presence in the centre of town.
Since the consultation period began at the end of July, Kerry County Council received 600 submissions from the public. €3.2 million is available to fund the redevelopment of the old Denny factory site. Scroll down for photos…
At the ‘Share my Idea’ workshop in the Brandon Hotel were, from left: Kevin Furlong and Mags O’Sullivan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘Share my Idea’ workshop in the Brandon Hotel were, from left: Simon Wall (Town Architect Westport), Jim O’Connor (Superintendent Tralee), Con Cadogan (Chief Superintendent Tralee) and Giulia Vallone (Architects Department Cork County Council). Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘Share my Idea’ workshop in the Brandon Hotel were, from left: Mike Scannell (Kerry County Council), Des Fitzgerald and Peter Colleran. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the ‘Share my Idea’ workshop in the Brandon Hotel were, from left: Caroline Lynch and Grainne Prendergast. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
I am little discussed by the architect view of what should be put at the Denny site, people clearly want something other than the norm, who is going to profit from these ‘residential buildings, retail, offices, sculptures and somehow facilitate a link with IT Tralee’. The only idea close to what people wanted is a mere sculpture. There are so many vacant offices and shops in Tralee I don’t think they need more. We should be looking to town like Carlow who have one of the most contemporary art venues outside of Dublin. After all Tralee is aiming at becoming a city.