The creation of 100 jobs, the provision of 290 residential developments, and a road to link the Golf Course Road with The Quay, are all part of the Westport House and Demesne masterplan.
The masterplan, which is a vision for the next 25 to 50 years, was outlined to Westport town councillors at last Thursday’s meeting by David Browne, RKD Architects, who is overseeing the ambitious project.
Mr Browne explained that collaboration between the town and estate is vital in the development of the restoration and tourism project, which will preserve the house and other significant buildings, and will enhance the linkage of the house and the town.
Four hundred thousand visitors are envisaged to be attracted annually to an iconic themed attraction (based on Grace O’Malley ), which will create 100 extra jobs and generate €40 million for the local economy.
So far the estate has undergone a major woodland regeneration and the key proposals for the future of the estate include a wedding event/conference venue; a small hotel with 60 to 70 bedrooms; the restoration of the existing coach house which will accommodate 10 to 12 apartments; a public roadway from Golf Course Road through the estate to The Quay; an indoor activity centre in the courtyard; 53 apartments, 62 detached houses, and 175 terraced or clustered houses; and the lawn area will be used for events.
Councillors welcomed the plan, in particular the proposal for a road to link The Quay to the Golf Course Road.
It was formally proposed that the plan be placed on public display and the Cathaoirleach of the council, Councillor Tereasa McGuire, said that the public need to voice their views and make submissions in relation to the plan.
