Major investment plan for Mayo town 'core' underway

Works are progressing on the restoration and reconfiguration of the former post office at Mountain View, Castlebar, as part of a €2.2 million investment.

The project, being undertaken by MVS Construction Limited, is being carried out under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

It is the first phase of the Castlebar Historic Core Reactivation which received a grant of €8.53 million some years ago towards the overall project cost of €11.37 million.

The investment will stimulate town centre regeneration by redressing the deterioration of underutilised historic properties and back lands in and around the Mall in Castlebar.

The €2.22 million being spent on the former post office will result in its conversion to a new Community Youth Resource Centre.

Mayo County Council also recently signed a contract, valued at €282,900, with Taylor McCarney Architects to develop a public realm masterplan and design work for the Mall and the backlands of Ellison Street as well as to refurbish and rejuvenate its setting and provide an enhanced connection to other parts of the town, including the Military Barracks and Ellison Street.

David Mellett, head of Castlebar Municipal District, said it marks a significant milestone in Mayo County Council’s journey to revitalise this historic area of Castlebar.

“This masterplan will help us transform our public spaces into a vibrant and welcoming hub for communities. It will see us protect our heritage and create a new high quality public urban space in the centre of the town.

“The construction of the new youth centre along with the masterplan is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about investing in our future, our culture, businesses and the quality of life of residents of the town and making it more attractive for those who visit."