Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam

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Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
Castleblayney
Market House &
Market Square
Public Engagement
Report

                          Miriam    Tara   Orla
April 2021          with Delaney Kennedy Murphy
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
Contents
                                                                        / Executive Summary                             3

                                                                        / Background
                                                                        1. Aims of the Report                            5
                                                                        2. History of the Building                       6
                                                                        3. Recent attempts to revive the Market House    6
                                                                        4. Current Condition                             6
                                                                        5. Monaghan Co Co Funding Strategy               7
                                                                        6. Who we are                                   10

                                                                        / Shared Vision
                                                                        7. Methodology of Engagement                    12
                                                                        8. Phasing of Project                           12
                                                                        9. Workshops                                    12
                                                                        10. Conversations                               13
                                                                        11. Survey                                      13
                                                                        12. Dissemination of Engagement                 13
                                                                        13. Survey Overview                             14
                                                                               13.1 Vision for the Market House
                                                                               13.2 What is the Situation Like Now
                                                                               13.3 Action
                                                                        14. Shared Vision                               21

                                                                        / Design Strategy
                                                                        15. Priorities Informing Design Strategy        23
                                                                        16. Scenarios for Renovation                    33
                                                                        17. Suggested Programme                         34
                                                                        18. Business Model                              51
                                                                        19. Sustainable Design                          51
                                                                        20. Phasing of Project                          51
                                                                        21. Long Term Management                        52
                                                                        22. Funding of Project                          52
                                                                        23. Conclusion                                  54

                                                                        References and Supporting Documentation:        55

Report produced by AP+E, Miriam Delaney, Tara Kennedy & Orla Murphy.
Cover image by Magnaparte, courtesy of Free Market.

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                        2.
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
Executive Summary

        ‘The importance of the restoration                                                                                                     ‘..a blended approach has been identified
                                                                                                                                                       as preferable to a single use building.
            of the Market House to the future
                                                                                                                                                      This allows multiple targets to be met,
            development of Castleblayney cannot                                                                                                     public access and community functions,
            be emphasised enough.’                                                                                                               with the financial benefit of stable income
                                                                                                                                              from let-able commercial and office spaces.‘
        Quote taken from survey responses

        The Market House in Castleblayney is the most significant building in the town, its vacancy and                In this report the consultants evaluated a number of options for strategies in renovating the Market
        dereliction for more than 20 years have left a marked impact on Castleblayney, in terms of public              House, the preferred option allows for some fully enclosed, insulated spaces for retail, cafe and
        pride and perception of the town, the relationship between residents and Monaghan Co. Co., and                 office spaces, as well as enclosed but unheated adaptable spaces for community and support
        the deterioration and vacancy levels in the surrounding streets. The restoration of the Market House           functions. Flexibility is key in allowing for multiple uses and for the potential for some aspects of the
        and significant improvement to the public realm of the Market Square have the potential to be a                programme to ‘grow into’ the building.
        transformative project for Castleblayney. The ‘Town Centres First’ approach included in the 2020
        Programme for Government highlights the need for state bodies to take the lead in consolidating and            In terms of programme, a blended approach has been identified as preferable to a single use
        supporting town centres. Monaghan Co. Co. has engaged in significant investments in Castleblayney in           building. This allows multiple targets to be met, public access and community functions, with the
        recent years - the restoration of Gate Lodge 1, Gate Lodge 2 as a Public Library and the Enterprise Hub        financial benefit of stable income from let-able commercial and office spaces. A mix of programmes
        - which demonstrate the Local Authority’s commitment to the town. The restoration and development              also allows for greater flexibility in allowing community and enterprise elements to ‘grow into’ the
        of the Market House is a critical piece of the built fabric of the town, it will build on the success of the   building.
        restored Gate Lodge and the forthcoming library project at the eastern end of the town to create a social
        and civic hub for Castleblayney.                                                                               The report identifies key funding streams that could be accessed by the Local Authority in delivering
                                                                                                                       this project, highlighting how it meets multiple objectives in a range of funding schemes. We suggest
        An in-depth public engagement programme, including community workshops, an on-line survey                      a long-term commitment to the regeneration and management of the Market House by Monaghan
        and focussed meetings with key stakeholders identified the following immediate priorities for a                Co. Co. and propose a collaborative approach to the on-going management of the building between
        redeveloped Market House: public access and community use, as well as spaces for people to gather,             Monaghan Co. Co. and local community groups.
        and the provision of employment opportunities. Residents in the town and community groups also
        highlighted the significance of the heritage of the Market House, and expressed a desire for high quality      A redeveloped Market House and a redesigned Market Square presents a
        architectural and conservation interventions, a model of best practice.                                        unique and exciting opportunity to consolidate and support the town centre
                                                                                                                       of Castleblayney. It should be of the highest architectural and conservation

                                                                                                                                                                                                                 85%
        The public realm was also noted in the public engagement process as a key priority, the strategies             standards, and be a model of sustainable construction and adaptive re-use
        proposed by the consultants in this report support the development of the Market Square as a place             principles. We see the potential of this project to be a catalyst for economic and
        for Castleblayney residents to meet and gather, with the potential for outdoor events, festivals and           social life in the town, and a worthy source of pride for Castleblayney residents.
        markets. A redesigned high-quality public realm would bring another layer of positive development in           The vision presented here for a regenerated Market House and Market Square is             of people
        the town, prioritising pedestrian access and allowing for ease of mobility through Castleblayney.              one to sustain the building’s significance for centuries to come.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              fully support
                                                                                                                                                                                                                the project

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                                              3.
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
Background
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
1. Aims of the Report
        This report was commissioned by Monaghan Co. Co. to ‘prepare and deliver a report to
        identify potential appropriate future uses of the Market House building and Market Square area
        of Castleblayney’ (1). The project brief developed by Monaghan Co. Co. specified community
        engagement as a critical component in the development of viable long term uses for the Market
        House and Market Square area of the town:

        ‘The report will include an assessment and recommendations of potential uses, reflecting the input from
        the community and stakeholder consultation and participatory engagement exercise, with a people-
        centred approach, and an assessment of the financial self-sustainability of potential uses, and allow
        for flexibility of uses/spaces, that will safeguard the future of this iconic building and public square for
        many more generations. Any assessments will have regard to the economic, social and environmental
        impact on the regeneration and resilience of Castleblayney and the contribution to the promotion of
        Castleblayney as an attractive location to live, visit and do business in.’(2)

        A consultant team led by AP+E in collaboration with Miriam Delaney, Tara Kennedy
        and Orla Murphy was awarded the contract on 3rd of December 2020. They proposed,
        and have completed a three-stage process in preparation of this report:

        Step 1: Initial research, listening and gathering input.
        Step 2: Analysing and translating information, in dialogue with stakeholders.
        Step 3: Presenting and disseminating the report.

        The primary aims of this report are to:
        1 - Describe the history and current status of the Market House and Market Square, Castleblayney.
        2-O
           utline the community and stakeholder engagement undertaken and the results and feedback
            from that process.
        3-E
           stablish key community-led priorities for the redevelopment of the Market House
            and Market Square.
        4-D
           escribe and evaluate potential uses for a redeveloped Market House and Market Square.
        5-P
           ropose and develop a preferred option for the development of the Market House
            and Market Square.
        6-O
           utline a viable business model and highlight funding options open to the redevelopment
            project to ensure a financially viable, long term sustainable future for the Market House
            and Market Square.

        (1) ‘Request for Quotation’ document, issued by Monaghan Co Co on October 1st 2020                                             Current State of the Market House, Northern Standard, August 2019
        (2) ‘Request for Quotation’ document, issued by Monaghan Co Co on October 1st 2020                             (Chapter Page) Image of Castleblayney from the Lawrence Collection NLI, 1870-1905

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                5.
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
The intention is that Monaghan Co.Co. use this report in developing a brief to appoint a design team                                                      soon to preserve them.’(6)
        to bring this project forward to Planning Application stage, and for use in further funding applications
        as the project progresses to realisation.                                                                                                                 The dereliction of the Market House is also a significant issue of public perception within the town,
                                                                                                                                                                  with strong feelings expressed through the public engagement process of the importance of the
                                                                                                                                                                  building to the town’s history and heritage, and also that dereliction in the town is seen as a key

        ‘Historic and really proud of it.’                                                                                               85%                      issue.

                                                                                                                                                                  One respondent noted the current condition of the Market House as ‘embarrassing, poor reflection of
        Quote taken from survey responses                                                                                                    CITED
                                                                                                                                                                  our town’.

                                                                                                                                                                  According to another respondent it ‘brings a dilapidated look & feel to the whole town especially that
                                                                                             high number of empty buildings                                       side of town, depressing’ but also noted the historic significance of the Market House ‘Historic and
                                                                                              as a negative issue in the town                                     really proud of it’.

        2. History of the Building                                                                                                                                When asked what are the negative issues/ current challenges in Castleblayney Town Centre now,
                                                                                                                                                                  85% of people cited the high number of empty buildings.
        Castleblayney is the third largest town in county Monaghan with a population of 3,607 (CSO, 2016).
        It is a busy market town with a relatively static population in the 2006 - 2016 timeframe. It serves a
        rural hinterland, and functions as a civic, educational, retail and social hub for the rural catchment
        area. Castleblayney is categorised as a Tier 2 Strategic Town within the County Monaghan Se
                                                                                                                                                                  3. Recent attempts to revive the Market House
                                                                                                                                                                  The Market House building was used as a market from 1801, before the current second level was
        The Market House in Castleblayney is a protected structure of national significance. It sits in the                                                       built on top to house the Court House in 1856. It was subsequently used as a Court House and local
        centre of the triangular Market Square on a steeply sloping site, leading to Main Street to the west,                                                     library, but was not maintained or repaired in recent decades. It was last occupied in the 1990s,
        Muckno Street to the north and to the entrance to Muckno Park and Hope Castle to the east.                                                                and since then has been vacant. Its decline has been exacerbated by damage to the building fabric
                                                                                                                                                                  allowing water ingress and the roof to collapse following the fall of an internal load bearing wall.
        The Market House, a two storey over basement building, was constructed in 1790 with significant                                                           Below is a timeline of the attempts to secure use and funding for the Market House over the last 30
        additions in 1856 (4). It is arguably the most significant building within the town of Castleblayney, it                                                  years, initially to maintain its function as a Courthouse, and later to secure the building and halt its
        forms the termination of Main street and is a very prominent local landmark.                                                                              decline:

        ‘In continuing to provide a vital focus in the urban centre, it is a building of quality and presence that                                                1994 - Engineer’s Estimate for four courthouses submitted to Department of Justice – Castleblayney
        contributes substantially to the unique character and identity of the town, contributing a sense of                                                       £226,000; Clones £35,000; Carrickmacross £31,000. Clones and Carrickmacross works approved by
        place while also representing a tangible and irreplaceable component of the town’s historic fabric. In                                                    Department, Castleblayney Court House was not.
        this respect it offers continuity with the past, representing a symbol of the civic authority of a shared                                                 1995 - CD Ellison Preliminary Report estimates £810,000 refurbishment costs. Notes at this
        community that reflects various aspects of the town’s architectural, social and cultural history and                                                      stage indicated dry and wet rot throughout the building and decayed lintels on interior walls. The
        development.’ (5)                                                                                                                                         Department of Justice meeting suggests abandoning the building.
                                                                                                                                                                  1996 - Dept of Justice proposing to move to greenfield site - Fahy Fitzgerald Structural Engineers
        The Market House Castleblayney is of national importance, and was highlighted by An Taisce in 2020                                                        report recommends “discontinuance of building use” in the interests of safety - proposal to redevelop
        as being one of the ‘Top 10 Most-at-Risk Buildings’ in Ireland. An Taisce’s annual report on their most                                                   as a County Museum rejected.
        at risk buildings noted that:                                                                                                                             1997 - District and Circuit Court sessions moved to Hope Castle Hotel.
                                                                                                                                                                  Castleblayney Cultural Group seek grant to complete feasibility report for theatre/community use
        ‘These are all buildings of importance, both intrinsically and to the heritage of their local areas,                                                      2001 - Carrickmacross Courthouse refurbished by Courts Service
        buildings that lie vacant and are in such a state of disrepair that they may be dangerous or have no                                                      2006 - Council commission Peter Legge & Associates to Report estimates €2,500.000 refurbishment
        identifiable new use. These buildings could be lost to future generations unless direct action is taken                                                   costs: and sought sanction for loan from Department.
        (3) Monaghan County Development Plan 2019- 2025                                                                                                           (6) https://www.antaisce.org/reviewing-buildings-at-risk-2020 accessed: February 25th 2021
        (4) The Market House description and appraisal in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (Record No. 41308026), prepared 1st October 2011
        (5) 'Castleblayney Court House: Report on proposed repairs’, Liam Mulligan - Architects - Chartered Building Surveyors - Historic Building Consultants,
        February 2018 p.6

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                                                                                        6.
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
2007 - Castleblayney Community Enterprise Ltd. obtain planning permission for proposal to house
        library, court services and town council offices.
        2007 - County Manager wrote to Taoiseach’s office seeking funding.
        2008 - Peter Legge & Associates Brief Report on Restoration, estimating costs of €5.5m;
        communicated to Court Service 2011
        Market House Committee established: Alan Clarke & Associates, Gaffney & Cullivan & Cunningham &
        Associates and Martin Rafter commissioned by Castleblayney Community Enterprise Ltd. to provide
        initial appraisal and costings for renovation of Courthouse. Conservation, Structural & Costing
        Reports completed - Estimated costs for Phase 1 Leave Building Watertight & finish Floor- €1.871m
        – excluding VAT & conservation costs.
        2012 - Partial Roof Collapse - National Building Agency complete Structural Engineers Report -                                             FIirst Floorr

        estimated cost to secure Courthouse building walls – €193,000. Leader; Peace & Structures At Risk
        funding sought.
        2014 - Housing Agency engaged to carry out options appraisal
        1.       Make building secure and watertight - €290,000
        2.       Demolish building and rebuild - €3,090,000
        3.       Demolish building and provide plaza - €730,000
        4.       Complete refurbishment of existing building as library and Council offices - €6,040,000
        2015 - Quote from Contractor to remove debris and replace roof - €1.3m excluding VAT
        2018 - Monaghan Co. Co. commission a Structural Report on Market House, and prepare application
        to RRD Fund.
        2019 - Monaghan Co. Co. undertake works to secure and stabilise the exterior walls of the building
        and to remove debris and partially collapsed roof structure.

                                                                                                                                                  Ground Floor

        4. Current Condition
        The Market House had fallen into serious disrepair in recent years and in July 2019 Monaghan Co.
        Co. undertook work to remove what remained of the roof and to stabilize the external walls. A ‘Report
        on Inspection of Masonry Walls at Castleblayney Courthouse/ Market House’ was carried out by Alan
        Clarke & Associates in 2019, noting that the current external walls are structurally sound, but require
        regular monitoring.

        The building is currently roof-less, with internal floors largely missing, and exposure to weather
        resulting in on-going damage to the building fabric. The remaining extant walls are largely
        constructed of random rubble masonry with a lime mortar binder, ashlar stone is exposed externally
        at the basement level and used at corners and jamb details. Internal remaining walls are masonry,
        constructed from rubble stone. The attached survey drawings indicate the extent of the remaining
        structure.

        The restoration of the Market House and regeneration of the Market Square are highlighted as              N                            Basement Floor
        priorities within the Monaghan County Development Plan 2019 - 25:
                                                                                                                      5m   10m

                                                                                                                                 Current condition survey plans

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                       7.
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
'There are a number of key buildings in Castleblayney which act as important focal points at the
        entrances to the town. They strongly influence the perception of Castleblayney and are visual flagships
        for the quality of its built environment.'

        ‘The Old Courthouse (*The Market House) was once an impressive structure in the town and its visual
        prominence contributed greatly to the townscape character of Castleblayney. The structure has
        become derelict and as such requires extensive refurbishment and repair and it remains an objective
        of the local authority to address this.’ (7)

        In the Specific Objectives for Town Centre development in Castleblayney are CBO2:
        'To encourage new developments which refurbish existing buildings in order to regenerate the town
        centre and to eliminate dereliction.' (8)

        The ‘Castleblayney Town Public Realm and Economic Plan, 2019’ states that:
        'The key heritage building within the Town Centre is the Market House, which is not only a landmark
        but is intrinsically linked to the development of Castleblayney as a settlement. It warrants conservation
        as a physical representation of Castleblayney’s history and as a Protected Structure. Active use of this
        building will further ensure its conservation into the future.' (9)

        5. Monaghan Co. Co. Funding Strategy
        Monaghan Co. Co. successfully received Government grant funding under the Rural Regeneration
        and Development Fund in 2020, to prepare detailed design for the refurbishment of the Market
        House and Market Square public realm in Castleblayney. This report will be used in the preparation
        of tender documentation for the appointment of a design team to develop the proposals to Planning
        Permission stage.

        Monaghan Co. Co. will need to source further funding for the full refurbishment of the Market House
        and for improvements to the public realm of the Market Square. Potential sources of funding are
        highlighted in Section 22.

        (7) P.251 Monaghan County Development Plan 2019- 2025                                                       Current condition photographs
        (8) P.252 Monaghan County Development Plan 2019- 2025
        (9) Castleblayney Town Public Realm and Economic Plan, 2019’ P.17

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                         8.
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
1

                                                                                        3
                                                                                            1

                                                                                    4

                                                                                4

                                                                        2

 1   No pedestrian crossing to Big Tom statue
 2   No through road required
 3   Isolated traffic island
 4   Excessive parking compromising footpaths

                                                                                                Existing Public Realm layout

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                    9.
Castleblayney Market House & Market Square Public Engagement Report - Miriam
6. Who we are
        This report is prepared by AP+E architects in consultation with Tara Kennedy, Miriam Delaney & Orla
        Murphy.

        It is an architect-led collaborative team with a track record in devising, engaging and delivering
        innovative projects, with distinct expertise in relation to small towns, community engagement,
        spatial analysis and adaptive re-use. The consultant team have experience in delivering community
        engagement programmes, master-planning and architectural design, and have on-going
        relationship to the town of Castleblayney through their ‘Free Market’ Irish national pavilion at the
        Venice architecture Biennale 2018 and subsequent national tour which travelled to Castleblayney
        in July 2019. Members of the team were also involved in the preparation of the ‘The Town Centre
        Living Initiative Six Pilot Towns: Synthesis Report’, 2020, on behalf of the Department of Rural and
        Community Development, in which Castleblayney was one of the six pilot towns.

        The team worked together to deliver Free Market, Ireland’s national pavilion at the Venice
        Architecture Biennale 2018, and its subsequent national tour and public engagement programme
        in 2019. Advocating for policy change, Free Market was presented to An Taoiseach and senior
        Governmental politicians and advisors, culminating with an invited presentation to the Joint
        Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development (November 2019), Free Market has
        won widespread critical acclaim, press, and awards.

        Both independently and collaboratively, the team share experience in listening and communicating
        design ideas to a broad range of audiences, including local voluntary groups, community activists,
        urban development committees, school pupils, inhabitants, and local businesses through
        stakeholder facilitation.

        Our experience in participatory design, stakeholder engagement, and communication with funding
        and political partners is combined with direct experience in developing architectural projects from
        strategic vision to construction both nationally and internationally.

                                                                                                               Team at launch of Free Market Exhibition in June 2019
                                                                                                                Opening remarks at launch of Free Market Exhibition

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                          10.
Shared Vision
7. Methodology of Public Engagement Process
        The consultant team engaged for this project, proposed a phase 1 ‘Listening and gathering input’      of the Market House;
        for this project. The methodology employed was a series of one- to- one interviews with key           Suggestions on building uses and programmes;
        stakeholders, community workshops with local community groups and an open on-line survey,             Suggestions for financing and management models.
        open to all residents of Castleblayney (more detail on all of these approaches is included below).
        The team also met regularly with local political representatives and employees of Monaghan Co.        Throughout the process we were in direct communication
        Co. The period of engagement was from December 2020 to February 2021. The intention of the            with the following groups;
        public engagement process was to gather as many as possible opinions and inputs from residents        Castleblayney Community Enterprise CLG
        of all ages, from community groups and from elected political representatives. Due to Covid 19        Castleblayney Regeneration
        restrictions, the majority of engagement was on-line, however on-site meetings were arranged with a   Castleblayney Tidy Towns
        number of key stakeholders.                                                                           Sustainable Energy Group
                                                                                                              Music Generation
                                                                                                              Muckno Mania
        8. Phasing of Project                                                                                 Adult Education Services
                                                                                                              Castleblayney Heritage Group
        The project is a three-stage process:
                                                                                                              Castleblayney Credit Union
        Step 1: Initial research, listening and gathering input.
                                                                                                              Monaghan Integrated Development Ltd
                 7th December 2020 - 15th January 2021
                                                                                                              Iontas
        Step 2: Analysing and translating information, in dialogue with stakeholders.                        Our Lady’s Secondary School
                 18th January - 19th February
        Step 3: Presenting and disseminating the report.
                1st March - 26th March

        9. Workshops
        All Community groups listed below were contacted directly by the consultancy team, and the on-
        line survey shared with them. Some of the groups expressed a preference to complete the survey
        individually, while other groups opted for an online workshop.
        Workshops were hosted on-line, via zoom, with the community groups highlighted below. In each
        of these the consultants made an initial presentation on the aims and objectives of the project and
        hosted a Q& A session with prompts from the assembled group.

        An open community workshop was held on Saturday the 9th of January 2021, which was advertised
        in local media and offered participants an opportunity to speak face- to face with the consultants.

        A number of very fruitful conversations occurred in these online workshops which highlighted
        significant issues relating to the redevelopment of the Market House and Market Square, including:
        Previous attempts to regenerate the Market House;
        Priorities for the Market House, the Market Square and the town of Castleblayney;
        Capacity - and willingness - to engage in the long term development and management

                                                                                                                                                     Online Workshop with Castleblayney Regeneration Group, December 2020

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                               12.
10. Conversations
        Individual phone conversations were conducted with the following departments and key personnel within
        Monaghan Co. Co:

        •    Community Development Department                           •   Arts Officer
        •    Planning Department                                        •   Monaghan County Library
        •    Roads Department                                           •   Local Enterprise Office
        •    Capital Delivery                                           •   Municipal District Coordinator
        •    Tourism                                                    •   Monaghan Local Community Development
        •    Regeneration Officer                                           Committee
        •    Heritage Officer

        and with Public Representatives;
        Cllr. Aidan Campbell, Cllr. Colm Carthy, Cllr. Noel Keelan, Cllr. P.J. O’Hanlon
        Cllr. Mary Kerr-Conlon & Cllr. Aoife McCooey

        11. Survey                                                                                                 for hearing the opinions and ideas of the residents of Castleblayney on the future of
        The consultant team developed an online survey for dissemination to the residents of Castleblayney. In     the Market House and Market Square. In total 460 people completed the survey - a
        Covid times, with limited access to face-to-face meetings, the on-line survey became the key mechanism     remarkable level of engagement, highlighting the strength of public opinion on the Market
                                                                                                                   House redevelopment.

                                                                                                                   The Survey was structured into three parts.
                                                                                                                   Section 1 was designed so that participants firstly expressed their ambitions for the
                                                                                                                   long term development of the Market House, the surrounding public realm and the wider
                                                                                                                   context of the town of Castleblayney.
                                                                                                                   Section 2 allowed participants the opportunity to express their opinions on the current
                                                                                                                   state of the Market House, and the challenges facing the redevelopment project.
                                                                                                                   Section 3 encouraged participants to identify actions and resources needed for the
                                                                                                                   Market House regeneration and to identify how it might operate in the future, and who
                                                                                                                   might take responsibility.

                                                                                                                   12. Dissemination of Engagement
                                                                                                                   The link to the online survey was shared on local community groups social media pages,
                                                                                                                   sent out on local community group email campaigns, promoted by local politicians on
                                                                                                                   facebook & Northern Sound radio, shared on WhatsApp and hard copy versions were
                                                                                                                   distributed. The community engagement was well covered in local press, including an
                                                                                                                   article in ‘The Northern Standard’ on Thursday the 7th of January 2021.
Online Survey for The Future of the Market House/Square                                                                                                    Advertisement in Northern Standard for Online Open Workshop, January 2021

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                                          13.
13. Survey Overview                                                                                                                     ‘Heritage means so much
        There was a very successful level of response to the survey, with the participation representing                                   to the people of Castleblayney
        approximately 12.5% of population (based on 460 responses). Over half of survey respondents (56%)
        were happy to be identified by name, demonstrating a strong engagement with the project.                                                  and surrounding areas.’
        The participants represented a wide range of ages. The most underrepresented groups were 25-34
        (8% of respondents) and overs 65s (7%). Of those that responded 60% do not work in Castleblayney,
        with the remaining 40% working or studying in or near the town (or retired from working in the town).
        A quarter of respondents (121 people) listed involvement with a community group(s). Community                              17.3%        22.3%
        groups listed covered a wide variety of sports, leisure and voluntary groups.                             Over 65      6.9%
                                                                                                                    55-64
        82% of people are fully supportive of the proposal, with a further 15% strongly in support of the           45-54                         21%
        proposal. Only 1% of respondents (5 people) stated that they were not supportive of the proposal to                     24.6%
                                                                                                                    35-44
                                                                                                                                           8%
        restore the Market House. 6 people did not answer this question.                                            25-34                                                                     1. Age range of survey respondents
                                                                                                                                                                                           2. Quote taken from survey responses
                                                                                                                 Under 25

                                                                                                                The survey was designed to guide respondents through a process of first imagining a
                                                                                                                successfully restored Market House, then describing the current situation in the town
                                                                                                                and Market House and finally suggesting action to make the project viable. Immediate
                                                                                                                priorities that emerged from the survey include a strong indication that public access and
                                                                                                                community use, as well as spaces for people to gather, are respondents priorities for a
                                                                                                                successful restoration. The public realm was also a key priority.

                                                                                                                The ‘Listening and Gathering’ work indicated that the public are very proud of their
                                                                                                                heritage, and would take great pride in the restored Market House. Survey responses
                                                                                                                included that ‘Heritage means so much to the people of Castleblayney and surrounding
                                                                                                                areas’ and in imagining a sucessfully restored Market House that it would ‘reflect the
                                                                                                                town’s pride in its heritage’.

                                                                                                                People also held the view that this project had the potential to catalyse positive impact in
                                                                                                                the wider town, for example 78% of respondents believed that the restored Market House
                                                                                                                building would lead to ‘Greater confidence in businesses in the town to open and upgrade
                                                                                                                their premises’, 66% that it would lead to ‘Greater confidence in residents in the town to
                                                                                                                adapt empty buildings as homes’ and 66% that it would lead to ‘Improved public spaces in
                                                                                                                other parts of the town’.

                                                                                                                                                                                              78%
                                                                          1   2   3   4    5
To what extent do you support the proposal to restore the Market House?                                                                                                    Believed that the restored Market House would lead to
From 1 ‘Don’t agree’ to 5 ‘Fully Supportive’.                                                                                                                                       greater confidence in businesses in the town.

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                                       14.
13.1 Survey Section 1:
         A Vision for the Market House

         In this section participants firstly expressed their ambitions for long term development of the Market
         house, the surrounding public realm and the wider context of the town of Castleblayney.
                                                                                                                    Events
         The findings in relation to the Market House building include a strong indication that public access                                                                   ‘It’s the centre of
                                                                                                                    Places to sit
         and community use, as well as spaces for people to gather and employment are respondents’                                                                             the community, a
                                                                                                                    Gathering
         priorities for a successful restoration.                                                                                                                                  place to gather
                                                                                                                    Markets
                                                                                                                                                                                and an enjoyable
         Participants were asked to complete the sentence ‘ It’s 2030 and the Castleblayney Market House            Pedestrian only                                                  space to use.’
         restoration project has been a huge success because…’                                                      Bike Parking
         73% answered: The public can access the restored Market House
                                                                                                                    Car Parking
         73% answered: The Market House has a community use
                                                                                                                                                                                                   1. Priorities for Public Realm
         65% answered: The Market House employs people from the local community                                                                                                          2. Quote taken from survey responses
         63% answered: The square around the Market House has been regenerated
         60% answered: It brings financial gain to the town
         58% answered: People come to Castleblayney to visit the Market House
                                                                                                                  House. How does the public space around the building / the Market Square work? What
         When asked to rank their choices in order of importance, public access, community use and the            is it used for? The priorities included Events (76%), Places to sit (74%), Gathering (72%)
         regenerated market square were listed as most important. Community use was listed by 36% as              and Markets (65%). 40% of respondents thought it should be for Pedestrians Only. 24%
         most important. Regenerated market square was listed by 35% as most important and by 18% as              supported Bicycle Parking with the lowest support for Car Parking at 15%.
         2nd most important. Public Access was listed by 33% as most important. Employment was listed by
         26% as most important. Visitors was listed by 25% as most important. Financial success was listed        Participants described how in the future ‘ People in Castleblayney really enjoy spending
         by only 19% as most important but by 17% (shared 2nd highest) as 2nd most important.                     time around the restored Market House and in the town centre because…’
         The survey specifically asked for information about the future of the public realm around the Market     The Building and public space provide an easy place for people to meet/gather (78% )
                                                                                                                  The Building and public space provide space for new types of events/happenings (74%)
                                                                                                                  The public realm and Market Square have been improved (68%)
                                                                                                                  There are thriving businesses in the town centre (54% )
                                                                                                                  There are fewer cars in the town centre (24%)

                 Public Access

                 Community Use

                 Employment

                 Market Square
                                                                                                                                                                            'It is a beautiful centre
                 Financial Gain                                                                                        24%                                                    piece of the town and
                                                                                                                                                                         has injected new life (and
                 Brings Visitors
                                                                                                                                                                             wealth) into the town.'

Key prioirities for the succesful restoration of the Market House                                                 Indicated that less cars in the town centre                            3. Quote taken from survey responses
                                                                                                                  would help people to enjoy spending time there

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                                      15.
The survey also identified other potential positive impacts in the town including...             When asked what would make people in Castleblayney proud of the restored Market
        78% Greater confidence in businesses in the town to open and upgrade their premises              House, the themes that emerged were: history and heritage; aesthetics; community
        69% Regeneration of streets and footpaths to aid mobility around the town                        involvement; a landmark or focal point for the town; attracting visitors; bringing life
        66% Greater confidence in residents in the town to adapt empty buildings as homes                back to the town; innovative sustainable design. The following comments relating to
        66% Improved public spaces in other parts of the town                                            shared themes include:
        55% Re-use of laneways as shortcuts through the town and access to the lake
                                                                                                         History / Heritage:
                                                                                                         ‘It reflects town’s pride in its heritage.’
                                                                                                         ‘Heritage means so much to the people of Castleblayney and surrounding areas.’
                                                                                                         ‘It gives hope to other towns with dilapidated buildings and teaches younger
                            Confidence in Businesses                                                     generations
                                                                                                         of our history and the importance of respecting it going forward.’
                            Streets and Footpaths

                            Town centre living
                                                                                                         Aesthetics:
                            Improved public spaces                                                       ‘It is a beautiful centre piece of the town and has injected new life (and wealth)
                            Re-used laneways                                                             into the town.’
                                                                                                         ‘It looks good and is the focal point of a revived Main St.’

                                                                                                         Community involvement:
                                                                                                         ‘It’s the centre of the community, a place to gather and an enjoyable space to use.’
                                                                                                         ‘It is such a central part of the community.’
        Qualitative Data
                                                                                                         ‘It belongs to the community.’
        As well as the more quantitative results outlined above, the questions are being analysed from
        a qualitative perspective with the aim of providing shared values, measures of success and
                                                                                                         Landmark or focal point for the town:
        community feelings that can inform the design brief.
                                                                                                         ‘It is a landmark building that represents all that is good about Castleblayney people
                                                                                                         - a proactive community that in respecting the town’s past also has its eye very much
                                                                                                         focused on the future success of the town for future generations.’
                                                                                                         ‘It’s a focal point to a significant area of the town’.

        ‘...a landmark building that represents                                                          Attracting visitors:

        all that is good about Castleblayney people                                                      ‘Bring visitors to the town and become the heart of the town again.’
                                                                                                         ‘It welcomes local and out of town visitors to the Lough Muckno area.’

        - a proactive community that in respecting                                                       New Life:

        the town’s past also has it’s eye very much                                                      ‘It has regenerated the town’.
                                                                                                         ‘It brings life back into the town’.

        focused on the future success of the town                                                        Innovative sustainable design:

        for future generations.’                                                                         ‘It has innovatively re-used the site to create a unique facility’.
                                                                                                         ‘Of the way it has kept its history but is an example of sustainable, innovative design
                                                                                                         that allows the community to use it for a wide variety of activities. It has won many
                                                                                                         awards and people come from across the country and beyond to visit it.’

Quote taken from survey responses

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                              16.
Market House?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                A Vision for the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                words would you
                                                                                                                                                                                                                use to describe the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                succesfully restore
                                                                                                                                                                                                                Market House: What

                                                                                                                                                                                                                What does it feel like?

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report
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17.
13.2 Survey Section 2:                                                                                                               'It would be a great boost
        What is the situation like now ?                                                                                                    to the towns pride to have
        This section asked respondents to describe the current situation- current feelings,                                            the building restored and back
                                                                                                      86%
        interests, facts, information gaps and the positive and negative effects of the current
        situation on a restoration project for the Market House.                                                                      at the centre of the community.
                                                                                                                                                   It will be well used!'
        When describing the negative issues/ current challenges in Castleblayney Town Centre
        now, most people identified the high number of empty buildings as a key issue (85%).       listed the lake as                                               Quote taken from survey responses

        Other issues included 53% lack of employment opportunities, 44% Lack of public space,      something they
        39% Traffic dominated, 35% Lack of small businesses, 33% Not enough people living in       like about the town
        the town centre, 13% Footpaths too narrow, 10% Air and noise pollution.

        Participants also responded to the question of challenges specific to the restoration of
        the Market House. What are the challenges you see with the restoration of the Market
        House?
        86% Cost of refurbishment
        50% Cost of running it
                                                                                                   It is also important to note that people are very proud of the town, and survey repondents
        48% Time – it has been derelict for so long
                                                                                                   contributed their feelings on current positive elements of the town as well
        45% Who will be responsible for leading and running the project
                                                                                                   as challenges and issues.
        43% Time it will take to restore
        34% Protected structure status
                                                                                                   When asked What do you like about the town centre now?
        21% People to run it
                                                                                                   People voted for
                                                                                                   86% The lake
                                                                                                   66% Proximity to nature
                                                                                                   60% Volunteerism/Community spirit
                                                                                                   57% History
                                                                                                   52% Music/Culture
                                                                                                   30% Pubs
                                                                                                   27.5% The buildings

                Vacancy

                Lack of Employment

                Lack of Public Space
                                                                                                   Cost of Refurbishment
                Traffic Dominated                                                                  Cost of Running
                Lack of small business                                                             Time - derelict so long
                Lack of town centre living                                                         Who will lead project
                Narrow Footpaths                                                                   Time it will take to restore
                Pollution                                                                          Protected structure

                                                                                                   People to run it

Key challenges seen in the town                                                                                                                                          Key challenges with the refurbishment

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                    18.
What is currently
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       missing in the town?

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report
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19.
13.3 Survey Section 3:                                                                    As previously noted, the survey highlighted very strong local support for this project. 82%
        Action                                                                                    of people are fully supportive of the proposal, with a further 15% strongly in support of the
        The final section asked people to consider how the project might become a reality.        proposal. Only 1% of respondents (5 people) stated that they were not supportive of the
                                                                                                  proposal to restore the Market House. 6 people did not answer this question.
        What possible uses would you like to see in the Market House?
        76% Cafe/Restaurant 			                                                                   When asked what might encourage you to more fully support the project, most answers
        62% Museum                                                                                stated that if they had a clearer idea what the building could be, they would support it.
        57% Community centre                                                                      ‘A clear plan, consultation and a vision for the space.’
        54% Music venue                                                                           ‘A definite plan.’
        51% Performance space                                                                     ‘It’s not clear what the project is. My support will depend on the proposed cost and
        35% Co-working space                                                                      planned use.’
        32% Education Facility
        22% Retail                                                                                The answers also reinforced the need for the project to be beneficial to the community,
        17% Offices                                                                               and underline the need for ongoing and effective engagement with the community
        15% Healthcare facility                                                                   throughout all stages of the redevelopment process. There is also a clear concern for a
        13% Hotel                                                                                 sustainable financial model for the long-term management of the building:
        5% Childcare
        4% Nursing home / Assisted living                                                         ‘The proposed idea of use needs to benefit the local economy and population. The type of
                                                                                                  service in the restored premises will need to be sustainable financially as well as beneficial
        What is your ideal involvement with the restored building?                                to the community.’
        24% I visit there regularly
        20% I like to pass by and admire the building
        20% I meet my friends there
        13% I visit occasionally or for special events
        13% I use the Market Square
        3% I volunteer there
        2% I work there

                                                                        24.1           2%
                                                                                      3%
                                                                                13%         24%
                                               Visit Regularly

                                               Pass by
                                                                                                      76%                                                ‘The importance the
                                                                               13%                                                                          restoration of the
                                               Meet friends                                                                                               Markethouse to the
                                               Visit Ocassionally                           20%   Suggested a                                          future development of
                                                                                     20%
                                               Use Market Square                                  restaurant or a cafe                               Castleblayney cannot be
                                               Volunteer
                                                                                                  as a potential use                                    emphasised enough.'
                                               Work
Ideal Involvement with the restored Market House                                                                                                                            Quote taken from survey responses

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                   20.
14. Shared Vision
        The findings of the ‘Listening and Gathering’ engagement process, including the survey, have been analysed
        to create a shared vision, and a set of Key Prioirities to measure potential scenarios for development
        against. These criteria include the strongest public priorities emerging from the survey, as well as the
        stakeholder priorities emerging from the stakeholder engagement process.

        These priorities are Public Access; Community Use; Employment; Capital Costs and Running Costs.
        Scenarios can be given a score against each criteria, providing a shorthand assessment of options. We
        have developed a graphic diagram to visualise this. Scenarios are assessed against these priorities, with
        the widening circles representing more successful performance under each heading. This provides a visual
        shorthand for assessment of the options.
                                                                                                                           PUBLIC ACCESS
        The successful regeneration of the public realm is also a key priority supported by the engagement process,
        but this remains throughout all options and is not included in the graphic of decision making criteria. It is a
        given also that each scenario would meet ambitious criteria in terms of design and conservation and that
        architectural excellence a key issue.

                                                                                                                           COMMUNITY USE

                                                                                                                           EMPLOYMENT

                                                                                                                           CAPITAL COSTS

                                                                                                                           RUNNING COSTS

                                                                                                                          Diagram of Key Priorities for the success of potential building scenarios.
                                                                                                                          Scenarios are assessed against these priorities, with the widening circles representing more successful
                                                                                                                          performance under each heading. This provides a visual shorthand for assessment of the options.

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                                               21.
Design Strategy
15. Priorities Informing Design Strategy                                                               The requirement for sustainable & feasible economic proposals.
        As determined by the ‘Listening and Gathering’ engagement process set out in Section 2, and the
        stakeholder meetings the following priorities are key in determining appropriate approaches to the     As outlined in Section 14, an analysis of key priorities identified through the stakeholder
        development:                                                                                           and community engagement process led us to identifying the following as Key Criteria for
                                                                                                               success:
        -A first class heritage and conservation project, acknowledging the cultural significance of this
        building, and demonstrating a best practice approach to sustainable, environmentally conscious         -       Public Access
        adaptive re-use principles.                                                                            -       Community Use
                                                                                                               -       Employment
        -Architectural quality, that any new interventions are of the highest standard of contemporary         -       Capital Costs
        architecture. With growing emphasis on the need for society to re-use existing building stock,         -       Running Costs
        minimising the carbon footprint of new developments.
                                                                                                               The successful regeneration of the public realm is also a key priority supported by the
        -An awareness of the need to prioritise a ‘Town Centre First’ approach to planning and development,    engagement process, but this remains throughout all options and is not included in the
        to invest in rejuvenation of vacant town centre properties rather than peripheral sites.               decision-making criteria noted above. Attracting visitors to the town is also a theme
                                                                                                               that emerged, but is not a key priority. Sustainable use by the local population is a more
        -Accessibility for the public; an overarching concern noted in the public’s responses to the survey    important indicator of success.
        was a desire for public access to the restored building. Everyday, regular engagement with the
        building rated more strongly than one-off or specialist function.
                                                                                                               Pride: Public pride emerged as a key issue
        -A lively, high quality public realm catering for regular use alongside occasional special events.     When asked what would make people in Castleblayney proud of the restored Market
                                                                                                               House, the themes that emerged were: history and heritage; beauty and architectural
        -A source of employment, giving opportunities to local businesses to locate in a prominent town-       excellence; community involvement; a landmark or focal point for the town; attracting
        centre location.                                                                                       visitors; bringing life back to the town; innovative sustainable design.

        -Flexibility in planning for new uses to allow the building to adapt to changing requirements in the   This chimes with the ‘Castleblayney Town Public Realm and Economic Plan, 2019’
        coming decades.                                                                                        which referred to 5 priorities for the town:

                                                                                                               1- The Greening of Castleblayney Town Centre
                                                                                                               2- Showcasing of Castleblayney’s Historic and Cultural Heritage
                                                                                                               3- Enhanced Integration with and Connection to Lough Muckno
                                                                                                               4- Accommodating Living in the Town Centre
        'It was adapted over its lifetime to reflect                                                           5- Delivery of a Connected Town Centre (10)

        each generations needs and it should now
        serve 21st century requirements.'

1. Quote taken from survey responses                                                                           (10) ‘Castleblayney Town Public Realm and Economic Plan, 2019’ p.6

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                        23.
‘Rundown, neglected,
                                                                                                                                                               no pride,
                                                                                                                                                       full of potential’
                                                                                                                                                                       Quote taken from survey responses

                                                                                                                      Current Relationship to the Town
                                                                                                                      The Market house is the most prominent building in the town of
                                                                                                                      Castleblayney, it forms the termination of Main Street, and sits at the
                                                                                                                      centre of the historic Market Square, at the entrance to Hope Castle.
                                                                                                                      The scale of the building, its prominent location, and its history
                                                                                                                      combine to make it a critical part of the urban heritage of the town.

                                                                                                                      At present the Market House is difficult to access on foot as it sits in a
                                                                                                                      traffic island with vehicular traffic to all sides of the Market Square. The
                                                                                                                      high traffic volume on Muckno Street in particular make access from
                                                                                                                      the Main Street to Lough Muckno difficult.

                                                                                                                      The difficulty accessing the Market House from the surrounding streets
                                                                                                                      was highlighted in the ‘Castleblayney Town Public Realm and Economic
                                                                                                                      Plan, 2019’. It is effectively cut off from the surrounding footpaths and
                                                                                                                      pedestrian routes by its situation within a traffic island, surrounded on
                                                                                                                      all sides by vehicular traffic.

                                                                                                                      While visually dominating the streetscape at the eastern end of
                                                                                                                      Castleblayney, its dereliction and inaccessibility have resulted in it
                                                                                                                      becoming a negative blackspot within the town- ‘an eyesore’- as pointed
                                                                                                                      out by participants in our online survey. The high vacancy levels in the
                                                                                                                      adjacent domestic terraces is in part attributable to the dereliction and
                                                                                                                      poor state of the Market House, it is not currently a pleasant building to
                                                                                                                      live or do business beside.

                                                                                                                      The negative impact of the Market House on the community perception
                                                                                                                      of Castleblayney is notable on the survey- its dereliction is a source of
                                                                                                                      frustration and annoyance to the residents of Castleblayney.

Current Situation;
Vacant Market House, isolated on an (unnecessary) traffic island surrounded by high levels of sound & air pollution

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                              24.
'It looks good and is the
                                                                                                                                                                 focal point of a revived
                                                                                                                                                                                Main St.'
                                                                                                                                                                                         Quote taken from survey responses

                                                                                                                                          Proposed relationship to the town
                                                                                                                                          Proposals to redevelop the Market House and to make it accessible
                                                                                                                                          to the town are dependent on an upgrading of the public realm at the
                                                                                                                                          Market Square and the surrounding streets, prioritising high quality
                                                                                                                                          design and materials, ease of mobility, pedestrian access, improved
                                                                                                                                          visual links, biodiversity and flexible use.

                                                                                                                                          The necessity of a high quality public realm is key to establishing an
                                                                                                                                          inviting culture around the Market House.

                                                                                                                                          Respondents also noted the potential of the regeneration of the Market
                                                                                                                                          House to reinforce the important relationships and views between key
                                                                                                                                          buildings and landmarks in the town and to act as the focal point for
                                                                                                                                          visitors to the town.

                                                                                                                                          With the development of the Gate Lodge, the plans underway for a new
                                                                                                                                          town Library, and the public amenity of Lough Muckno, a redeveloped
                                                                                                                                          Market House and Market Square will provide a civic and social focus
                                                                                                                                          to the town.

                                                                                                                                          Our design strategy is based on feedback from the public engagement
                                                                                                                                          survey and on spatial analysis of the existing condition, vehicular and
                                                                                                                                          pedestrian mobility, sunlight and shading analysis and potential for
                                                                                                                                          public access and high quality landscape design.
Reconnect;
Reduce traffic flow with increased public realm, a combination of shared spaces on Muckno Street and pedestrianisation on Market Square

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                                                25.
‘It welcomes local and
                                                                                               out of town visitors to
                                                                                            the Lough Muckno area’
                                                                                                                       Quote taken from survey responses

                                                                        Public access Sunlight/daylight
                                                                        The orientation and massing of the Market House causes the lower
                                                                        part of the Market Square to be often be in shade- particularly the part
                                                                        closest to the Market House. Shading is less of an issue on the upper
                                                                        part of the Market Square as the adjacent terrace height is lower. We
                                                                        propose the provision of outdoor eating area associated with the cafe
                                                                        on the eastern semi-circular raised terrace to benefit from south and
                                                                        south westerly evening sunlight, making the this outdoor cafe terrace
                                                                        most usable and pleasant.
Shadow;
Long periods for Market Square & Muckno Street in shade.
Terrace is the sunniest part of the building.

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                              26.
Regenerated market square
                                                                                           was listed by 162 as most
                                                                                             important and by 82 as
                                                                                                2nd most important.

                                                                            Public Realm
                                                                            A redeveloped Market Square will prioritise pedestrian movement
                                                                            throughout the town and to the Market House, reducing barriers to
                                                                            access, making physical accessibility of the building a key priority. A
                                                                            regenerated public space will substantially increase the attractiveness
                                                                            of this part of Castleblayney and will have knock-on effects of
                                                                            increased interest in restoring derelict residential properties adjacent to
                                                                            the Market Square. The ‘Town Centre Living Initiative’ pilot project led
                                                                            by Monaghan Co. Co. has already taken significant steps in developing
                                                                            high quality living accommodation in currently vacant building stock.
                                                                            The implementation of the proposals for town centre living will be
                                                                            enhanced by an attractive, accessible public realm.

                                                                            The opportunity exists at Market Square to reinvent the space as a
                                                                            multifunctional, pedestrian friendly area which can accommodate
                                                                            markets, fairs and events. The plan to make Market Square a focal
                                                                            point in the town is informed by its historical use as a venue for the
                                                                            town’s market and as a place for group meetings. The accommodation
                                                                            of a commercial element is important in maintaining a link with its past,
                                                                            while the potential to use the public space for cultural events will build
                                                                            on the town's strong music and performance tradition. 74% of survey
                                                                            respondents supported the inclusion of public space for new types of
                                                                            events and happenings.

                                                                            In order to fully animate and use the Market House in conjunction
                                                                            with the Market Square, we suggest that access through the restored
                                                                            Market House connecting the upper and lower levels of the Market
                                                                            Square would support and encourage the use of both Market House
                                                                            and Market Square.

Pedestrian Hierarchy;
Maximising pedestrian flow and porosity around & through the Market House

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                              27.
Activated Public Realm
                                                                        The development of the lower Market Square (at the Big Tom statute)
                                                                        and a pedestrianised upper Market Square at the southern end of the
                                                                        Square will provide a high quality public space, with the provision of
                                                                        seating and places to gather informally, alongside the capacity of the
                                                                        Market Square to host weekly or monthly markets, and occasional large
                                                                        scale event- music festivals and outdoor arts events.

Street Furniture;
Permanent and semi-permanent street furniture to
promote active use of the public realm

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                     28.
'I would like to see nature/biodiversity
                                                                                     in and outside the building.
                                                                                  This includes accommodating
                                                                                    swifts, bats etc under eaves.
                                                                                 Also plants inside and outside
                                                                                 the building - a green building
                                                                                                  in every sense.'

                                                                                                                            Quote taken from survey responses

                                                                             Biodiversity
                                                                             The redevelopment of the public realm and Market Square, with tree
                                                                             planting as indicated should aim to improve biodiversity within the
                                                                             town centre. The proximity to Lough Muckno and Muckno Park can add
                                                                             significantly to the attractiveness of the regenerated Market House.
                                                                             The suggested improvements in the 2019 Public Realm plan
                                                                             highlighted the need for a greening of the streetscape in Castleblayney-
                                                                             the inclusion of trees and appropriate planting in the Market Square will
                                                                             provide a nature corridor extending from Muckno Park extending onto
                                                                             the Main Street, as well as providing shading and a pleasant outdoor
                                                                             environment for residents to sit and congregate outdoors.
                                                                             (As identified in workshop with Sustainable Energy Group)

                                                                             Natural environment very important to survey respondents.
                                                                             What do you like about the town centre now?
                                                                             People voted for
                                                                             86% The lake
                                                                             66% Proximity to nature
                                                                             27.5% The buildings
Green Corridor;
Planting of rows of trees to connect town to the green of Lough Muckno

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                   29.
Proposed Public Realm Layout;
                                                                                                        A combination of pedestrianisation on Market Square and shared
                                                                                                        spaces on Muckno Street create a busy and safe walking route from
                                                                                                        Main Street to Lough Muckno. Trees line this route and strengthen the
                                                                                                        connection from the town to the amenities of the lake. Ground floor
                                                                                                        public entry and café terrace in the Market House activate Market
                                                                                                        Square day to day, while at the lower ground floor level the public
                                                                                                        space around the Big Tom statue provides a gathering space for
                                                                                                        occasional events and markets.

                                                                                            1

                                                                                    4

                                                                            2
                                                                        1

                                                                                3

                                                                                        4

                                                                                                5   1
 1   Pedestrian Crossing
 2   Road Narrowing
 3   Ramped Access
 4   Street Pedestrianised
                                                                                                                     6
 5   Ecology Corridor
 6   Shared Surface

                                                                                                                                                                 ^ Proposed Public Realm layout

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                                     30.
Public Realm Outcome;
                                                                        Reducing impact of traffic, increasing pedestrian movement and
                                                                        securing future legacy of Market House in Castleblayney. Strengthening
                                                                        the connection between the Main Street and widely used amenities of
                                                                        Lough Muckno. Increased footfall supports business and other public
                                                                        realm improvements in the town centre.
                                                                                                                                                 Widened pavements, Clonakilty;
                                                                                                                                                     Shared Surface, Waterford;
                                                                                                                                                      Listowel Farmer’s Market

Castleblayney Market House and Market Square Public Engagement Report                                                                                                     31.
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