Summix, a leading developer of sustainable property projects across the UK and Ireland has secured approval from Galway City Council for its planning application to deliver one of the largest, most significant urban regeneration schemes in Ireland, called Augustine Hill, which is in the heart of Galway city centre.
Located in Galway city centre – on a 3.3-hectare (8.2 acre) brownfield site adjacent to Ceannt Train Station – Augustine Hill is a landmark mixed-use regeneration scheme that forms part of the wider revitalisation of the city of Galway. The scheme will responsibly transform, rejuvenate and open up a vital, sustainable new city centre neighbourhood for the people and communities of Galway.
The mixed use development is in excess of €300m and will include 11 new and fully pedestrianised streets and four large public spaces that will comprise significant residential, retail, leisure and community and cultural facilities. Building heights range from single storey to a 21-storey residential scheme – making it the highest residential building in Ireland.
This significant landmark mixed-use project was secured by Summix through a Development License Agreement with Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), the leading provider of public transport services in Ireland, which owns the land, and the project is being managed in conjunction with Summix’s partner, Edward Capital. CIÉ held a competition in 2017 to find a developer for the site.
“Galway City Council’s approval of our plans is positive affirmation of Summix’s approach to socially and environmentally responsible placemaking, making it our 16th successfully consented site from our fully deployed 2017 fund. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our experienced, multi-disciplinary team and all stakeholders for the years of technical work, creativity and support on this landmark project.
“We look forward to the next stage of Augustine Hill’s journey alongside our partners Edward Capital and CIÉ and seeing the very best of sustainable and responsible urban regeneration being showcased in a city as distinctive as Galway.”
Niamh O’Connor, Executive Director, Summix
Augustine Hill, which will preserve protected structures and celebrate the history and heritage of the surrounding area, will help to revitalise Galway. The scheme includes 229 residential homes for sale, Built to Rent homes and for elderly care. Augustine Hill will also have cafés and restaurants, a 130-bed hotel, a six-screen cinema complex, childcare facility and play area, innovative retail and entertainment concepts, a craft food market and office space. These are all set out around significant new areas of carefully landscaped public realm connecting with the city and accommodating throughout significant new secure parking and storage for bicycles and cars and a below ground service yard.
“This milestone decision in the lifecycle of the project enables us to go forward and unlock the significant potential of this strategic site in a unique part of the city, in partnership with Edward Capital and CIÉ. When developed, the people of Galway and all its visitors will experience a new way of living, working and playing in a community built for a modern and sustainable-led lifestyle yet underpinned by the existing cultural heritage of the area that will be brought back to life by the repurposing of existing historic buildings.”
Tareq Naqib, Co-founder and Executive Director, Summix
It’s estimated that Augustine Hill will support more than 610 jobs per year over the six-year period of its construction, and a further 2,700 permanent jobs upon completion when it could contribute up to €200m annually to national income and deliver a boost of €80m each year to the Exchequer.
The development represents an important part of the wider plans for Galway city set out in the Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework (NPF), the Government’s high-level strategic plan for shaping the future growth and development of Ireland out, which was published in 2018. The NPF notes and supports Galway as an important driver of national growth and the key regional centre, with the urban regeneration of the Ceannt Train Station area noted as one of the key future growth enablers for the city.
“We are delighted with decision by Galway City Council. This project will breathe life into the city centre and help rebalance growth away from the suburbs of Galway. It is a landmark decision for Galway city. I want to thank our partners Summix Capital and CIÉ and our team of 70 professionals for their hard work and dedication. I would also like to thank the hundreds of people in Galway for sharing their thoughts and visions with us during the public consultation.”
Gerry Barrett, Managing Director, Edward Capital
This is Summix’s 16th successfully consented site from its fully deployed 2017 fund. From this fund, Augustine Hill is Summix’s fifth successful consented development in Ireland across: Brewery Block, Dublin; Washington Street, Cork; Farranlea Road, Cork; Queen Street, Galway. The remaining 11 successfully consented sites from the 2017 fund are located across the UK.
