March tender date for transformation of old Mayo post office building

THE construction tender for the redevelopment of the old post office in Castlebar is due to be advertised next month.

The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) project is seeking to convert the property into a new community youth resource centre.

It has been progressing as a single building project, led by Mayo County Council.

In an update circulated by management, Castlebar Municipal District councillors were told: 'A Decision Gate 2 submission (pre-tender submission) was made to the department for the post office in December 2023, that included an updated project brief, cost plan, risk analysis and governance structures.

'Work on the construction tender documentations is nearing completion and we aim to be in a position to advertise the tender by early March 2024, subject to department approval.'

Commenting on the report, Fine Gael Councillor Donna Sheridan said: “I am delighted we are coming to a stage where the old post office is going to tender in March 2024.

“I would ask the department to work with the council to ensure this deadline is met.

“It is fantastic to see a vacant building in our town be put to such good use.

“We badly need more facilities for young people and I look forward to seeing this project completed and the old post office opening as a new community youth resource centre.”

Elected members also received an update report on the URDF project for the Castlebar Military Barracks.

The project is intended to reverse emergent dereliction in the existing buildings and to focus on establishing sufficient project momentum to attract private investment. Future investment and new tenancies could see strategic links forged with the new innovation hub in close proximity.

'Our plan is for a series of measures to allow the site to be appreciated for its current and future potential, providing interesting and historic interconnected public realm spaces that can be accessed, used, occupied, visited and enjoyed safely by all.

'To this end, an updated scope of works in relation to the public realm spaces and buildings was submitted to the department in December 2023 for consideration and approval.'

The proposals included:

Enhancement of the access route from the Mall/Rock Square axis which is of poor quality and uneven ground surface finish.

Enhancement of the parade ground itself that will allow for the continuation and expansion of the programme of events which has developed on the site.

New public lighting along the Mall entrance laneway and parade ground.

Building A/B had partial refurbishment works carried previously and will be further upgraded so it can be occupied by the local authority or other groups.

Roofs of Buildings C/D, G/H and M/N/O to be checked and fixed to prevent further water ingress and deterioration.

Windows in Buildings C/D, G/H and M/N/O will be repaired or replaced to prevent further water ingress.

'Our intention is to procure an external architect led integrated design team under a single contract that encompasses each element of Work Package 3, to provide full scope of service from design, planning, tender, construction through to completion.

'Work is currently underway on the design brief, with a view to finalising tender documents in Q1-2024.'

Commented Councillor Sheridan: “I welcome the proposed works on the military barracks as the first part of a far bigger project.

“The barracks is used by the community for very successful events such as Horror in the Barracks and Christmas at the Barracks and I hope to see these events continue well into the future.

“The proposed works will enhance and ensure the safety of the public areas, allowing these and other events to be held in the barracks.

“These works are, however, just the starting point. We need to see the barracks site and buildings regenerated and utilised to their full potential. This is only the initial first phase of a much bigger project for this historic site.”

As reported last week, the municipal district is also continuing to progress the URDF project in respect of the nearby Imperial Hotel, notwithstanding there are negotiations for a private sale of the property for use as a hotel.