Speculative Variation on Masterplan Proposal for Sligo Docklands (2020)
Case for a Core Tourist Attraction within the Future Docklands area of Sligo
The Proposal highlights Cultural Potential for the future of the Docklands area of Sligo, alongside the standard Commercial Development model. Ideally this would be a cluster of buildings of high Architectural quality with a Centerpiece Building of International Significance, and would be a Driver for both Sligo and the North Wests ambitions to grow under the National Planning Framework.
Sligo is the Regional Capital of the North West of Ireland and is well positioned Geographically to influence the Growth of the entire North West Region. In order for Sligo to grow into a City it requires significant Government and Private Investment. Innovative Proposals which Illustrate the Potential Future Urban Fabric of Sligo can strengthen the case for such Investment. Sligo is situated within a Landscape of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However in terms of an Urban ‘Destination’ it lacks Critical Mass required to attract and retain Visitors. This particular Proposal attempts to envisage a return to the Plan-Led Urban Quarter which has been proven to be successful over time.
Suggested Buildings
- Anchor Building – University Department Annex / Satellite Building / Creative Hub / Armada Museum ?
- Tower Buildings – 6- 10 Storey : Adaptable for Office / Residential Space
- Linear Park : Maratime Exibits, Sculptures, Playground, Watersports+Outdoor Fitness facilities,Wind Trees
- Residential Quarter + New Streets – Height Varies. Typically 4 to 6 Storeys South + West Facing Balconies
- Waiting Areas for Boat Tours , Tourist Info. Kiosk , Public Wc.s , Provision for Future People Moving System
- Office Space with on site Facilities for Employees – Creche, Gym etc
- Future Student Accommodation for IT Sligo
- Wellness Center for Elderly Citizens
Broader Docklands Potential ( Not Illustrated above )
- Innovation / Technology / Business Hub
- South Facing Waterfront Housing to North Cartron Edge
- Localised Power Grid supplemented by Wind Trees, Tidal, Solar etc.
- Preplanned District Heating / Cooling System
- Multi Storey Car Park with Planted Facades / Relocated Sports Ground
Sligo Docklands Development Plan + Backround to the Proposal
Sligo Development Plan makes provision for the future Regeneration of the Docklands. Sligo Borough Council has previously published a Document which indicates Potential for the Docklands (2007). This Framework suggests a Feature Tower, a Riverside Park, a New Transport Hub, a possible Light Rail route, and Anchor buildings ( ie. Conference Centre ). My Proposal extrapolates on this in terms of Brief Development , Masterplan Layout and Architectural Form. This particular variation of the earlier Masterplan attempts to envisage an Urban Precinct based on more Traditional Building Forms and Architectural Treatments, where the Individual Buildings are Congruent and Complimentary to each other
An Anchor Building such as a Satellite Building of Sligo ‘Atlantic University’ could be placed at the Core of the Masterplan. The surrounding Buildings might consist of Hotel Accommodation, Tourism oriented, Residential, Commercial, and a Business Quarter Further West to close the Link with the Existing Industrial Estate.
ArchiAssets 