S W O R D S M A S T E R P L A N 2
■ Introduction <strong>Swords</strong> is identified as a Metropolitan Consolidation Town within the Regional Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin Area and has an important role as a developing town within the Dublin City Region. In 2006, the Government launched ‘Transport 21’, whereby commitment was given for the development of a high quality public transport system, ‘Metro North’ connecting Dublin City Centre to <strong>Swords</strong> via Dublin Airport. <strong>Swords</strong> will therefore be supported by a high quality public transport network by 2013, facilitating its economic growth and expansion in line with the Regional Planning Guidelines. The <strong>Fingal</strong> Development Plan 2005-2011 identified the need for a <strong>Masterplan</strong> for <strong>Swords</strong> Town Centre to guide its future growth and development. The <strong>Masterplan</strong> will address issues relating to the historical core and role of the town, which is evolving and changing against the background of a growing population, economic expansion and opportunities arising from the arrival of Metro North. It is key to the future success of <strong>Swords</strong> as a multi-functional high quality Major Town Centre within the Dublin-City region, that the traditional Town Centre extend in a compact manner to the south and south west, within the Pavilions 1 and Barrysparks2 development areas respectively, and integrate fully with Metro North. The expansion of the Town Centre, in conjunction with the regeneration of the historical Main Street and North Street areas, presents a unique opportunity to bring a new dynamic and cohesiveness to the Town Centre and to sustain its vibrancy and attractiveness through the sustainable provision of an appropriate mix of uses, including modern retailing formats, and quality urban environment appropriate to the function of a successful Major Town Centre within the Dublin-City Region. ■ <strong>Masterplan</strong> Area The focus of the <strong>Swords</strong> <strong>Masterplan</strong> area relates to the MC (Major Town Centre), zoned lands within the Main Street and North Street areas, Pavilions development area, and Barrysparks development area. The boundary for the <strong>Masterplan</strong> extends beyond these areas and guidance and proposals are considered within this context. The GI and ST1 zoned lands within the <strong>Masterplan</strong> boundary are considered strategic in nature, given their proximity to Metro North, and have been considered in more detail in the documents ‘Your <strong>Swords</strong>, An Emerging City, Strategic Vision 2035’. These lands may be considered for rezoning as MEC/MEC1 and further guidance will be developed as part of the proposed <strong>Swords</strong> LAP. The <strong>Swords</strong> <strong>Masterplan</strong>, which is in compliance with <strong>Fingal</strong> Development Plan Objective U01, is set within the timeframe 2008-2020, and shall be reviewed after 6 years, 2014, post arrival of Metro North. 1 ‘Pavilions Development Area’ refers to the area incorporating the Pavilions Shopping Centre, Penneys/ Residential Development and link mall, and the existing Garda Station. This area extends to and is bound by the R132, Malahide Road, Dublin Street/Road and Carlton Court Residential Development. 2 ‘Barrysparks Development Area’ refers to the MC zoned lands to the east of the R132. The <strong>County</strong> Development Plan refers to this area as ‘Crowcastle/Barrysparks’, but for ease of reference will be hereafter referred to as Barrysparks development area. ■ Vision S W O R D S M A S T E R P L A N Introduction The consolidation and strengthening of <strong>Swords</strong> historic Town Centre is required to enable its continued development as a high quality, vibrant and multi-functional sustainable urban centre. This consolidation will be encouraged through the densification and growth of appropriate retail, commercial, residential, civic, cultural and leisure developments, taking into account the historical character of the town and its urban fabric. The creation of public nodes within the new and expanding Town Centre will be encouraged resulting in the creation of high quality well-designed, wellconnected, focal public spaces which will attract people between the different 3 character areas within the existing and expanding Town Centre and aid in the enlivening of different areas within the Town Centre. These nodes are the Civic Quarter, Cultural Quarter and Metro Quarter. In association with the strengthening of the traditional Town Centre, <strong>Swords</strong> must also grow and extend its retail, cultural, residential and commercial offer within the Pavilions and Barrysparks development areas. These development areas must be successfully integrated with the traditional core area and public nodes though the creation of streets, a pedestrian priority environment, public urban spaces, and integration with Metro North and the public transport system, aiding in the delivery of a quality urban environment which will enhance the quality of life for residents, visitors and workers alike. N ➢ <strong>Swords</strong> <strong>Masterplan</strong> Area