Bord Pleanála decision will breathe new life into Navan ‘no-go’ park

A MAJOR redevelopment of the former Spicers Bakery site and adjacent Ramparts car park in Navan together with the demolition of four derelict houses across the road and a revamp of Andy Brennan Park has been given the green light by An Bord Pleanála.

Meath Co Council lodged plans in December 2022 for an ambitious project to breathe new life into the area, by tackling the dereliction and also the widespread anti-social behaviour associated with Andy Brennan Park and the adjoining derelict houses. A Natura Impact Statement was lodged with the plans.

Local authorities are required to make an application to An Bord Pleanala for any proposed development in their area where an appropriate assessment under the Habitats Directive is required.

After considering the plans, An Bord Pleanála has approved them subject to conditions paving the way for the redevelopment to proceed though it will be subject to funding.

The background to the proposal goes back to 2018 when Meath Co Council obtained funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund for the Navan Land Activation Project to purchase the former bakery site and four derelict terraced houses fronting onto the R153 Athlumney Road adjacent to Andy Brennan Park.

Consultants Paul Hogarth and Co. Landscape Architects were then commissioned to develop an overall concept master plan for the area.

Central to the plan is the demolition of the four derelict houses and the creation of a stepped plaza area which will form the entrance to the redesigned Andy Brennan Park, while on the other side of the Athlumney Road, there will be a new cafe in the bakery office building with a plaza area outside, and the Ramparts Car Park will also be upgraded and extended.

Both the derelict houses and Andy Brennan Park have long since been focal points for anti-social behaviour making it a no-go area and the park is not used by residents or visitors because of it.

This plan aims to address the dereliction and anti-social behaviour and bring the area back into use as a recreational space with a new canal themed playground and an urban sports area.

Also part of the plan is the conservation and preservation of the original Spicers Bakery building which is a protected structure and the demolition of outbuildings and sheds. In later phases of the development, the council intends to restore the bakery building, which operated from the late 19th Century until 2012.

The entire site fell into dereliction after the bakery closed and became the focus of anti-social behaviour with a fire causing substantial damage in 2017 to the buildings adjacent to Navan Silver Band's premises.

As well as conserving the bakery building, the two-storey office building on the site is to be redeveloped as a cafe with an associated public realm area including a bandstand.

The Ramparts car park is set for an upgrade too with the car park to be extended. New entry and exit points will be provided and the capacity of the car park will increase from 52 spaces to 64 spaces. A bike stand for nine bikes is also proposed and two pedestrian crossings are to be provided.

The redesigned Andy Brennan Park will have a stepped entrance way facilitated by the demolition of the four derelict houses to open up the site.

The Somerville Canal Bridge will also be restored and lit, with a lowering of the ground level beneath to increase head room.

Steps from this space up

to the main road will be redesigned and built to improve accessibility.

The main body of Andy Brennan Park will be redesigned as an urban sports park, suitable for skateboarding, roller blading, parkour and other activities. At the end of a straight path reminiscent of the former canal there, will be a canal themed accessible play facility. The fishing platform will also be restored.

The proposal aims to complement the Navan 2030 project and would also complement the Boyne Greenway and Navigation Restoration Project when it is completed.

In its decision to approve the project, the board was satisfied that the development would not adversely impact the integrity of the River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation and the River Boyne and River Blackwater Special Protection Area and that subject to compliance with conditions "would not have significant negative effects on the environment or the community in the vicinity, would not give rise to the risk of pollution, would not be detrimental to the visual landscape amenities of the area, would not seriously injure the amenities of properties in the area, would not adversely impact on the cultural, archaeological and built heritage of the area and would not interfere with the existing land uses in the area".

Among the conditions were that Meath Co Council employ an ecologist, archaeologist and conservation expert to oversee the works.