Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council

6.1 Redevelopment and
Expansion
URBAN GRAIN
The Masterplan recognises the need to move away from the current box retail
format and to integrate new development with the new Cultural and Metro
Quarters as well as proposed urban expansion at Barrysparks. It is therefore
proposed to support the provision of a network of streets and public spaces
within the Pavilions site, which will integrate with and address adjoining areas. It
is recognised that the delivery of the network will take place on a phased basis
as sites are developed and appropriate infrastructure is provided. The form and
scale of development will be greater than the existing, but will be so designed as
to integrate with the existing surrounds and give priority to pedestrian and public
transport movement and interconnections.
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
In addition to the urban design criteria governing the proposed redevelopment of
this area, consideration must also be given to the quantum and mix of uses
necessary within the Pavilions urban extension to sustain a vibrant and
integrated Town Centre. The proposed mix of uses will include retail, retail
services, residential, commercial, office, cultural, hotel, leisure, community, and
other uses appropriate to a Town Centre location. It is acknowledged that a
significant quantum of comparison retail floorspace is needed to respond to the
deficit in comparison retail provision which currently exists. There will therefore
be a significant provision of comparison retail within the urban extension areas.
DESIGN GUIDANCE
Urban design guidance and objectives are put forward within this Masterplan,
which will address the key urban form issues of: movement, street hierarchy,
open space (public realm and landscaping), height and massing.
6.2 Constraints and Opportunities
CONSTRAINTS:
● Traditional Shopping Mall format of the Pavilions does not facilitate linkages
east to west between Dublin Street/proposed Cultural Quarter and the
proposed Metro Quarter and Metro Stop.
● Protection of existing residential amenity to the south adjoining Carlton
Court and to the north adjoining Longlands.
● Potential barrier of R132 and Metro North line between MC zoned lands west
of the R132/Pavilions development area and east of the R132/Barrysparks
development area.
S W O R D S M A S T E R P L A N
6.0 Pavilions Development Area
5 5
OPPORTUNITIES:
● Development of the Metro Quarter to the east and gateway entrance into
Swords Town Centre.
● Existing landscape corridor setting along the R132.
● New mixed-use development may act as a catalyst to stimulate and assist in
the creation of a permeable network of streets and public spaces integrating
with the Town Centre nodes/focal urban spaces of proposed Cultural Quarter
and Metro Quarter.
● Create new linkages between proposed Cultural Quarter, Metro Quarter and
Barrysparks lands.
● Introduction of a mix of uses, with greater levels of retail, residential, office,
commercial and leisure elements further enhancing the attractiveness of
the Town Centre.
● Development of landmark and high quality architectural and environmental
standards.