Most building sites in Ireland have been temporarily closed due to the COVID 19 crisis. We have one exception, our Prosper Meath building at Watergate Street, Navan, Co. Meath. By agreement with Prosper Meath, the HSE can use this centre for their COVID-19 response. The project has been designated as essential works and we have been working hard to assist the contractor, CF Hoey Construction Ltd., to complete the project as quickly and safely as possible. Some pictures below of progress from a recent site meeting with Prosper, Jenny Murtagh QS and DFK Engineers, more to follow.

The Prosper Group provide services for adults with intellectual disabilities and the building at Watergate Street has been designed with an emphasis on universal accessibility. The site is an infill site in an Architectural Conservation Area near the junction of Watergate Street and Abbey Road and the building design was developed in response to the urban and topographical conditions. The new building steps up with the streetscape and replaces a derelict building which was formerly occupied by the ESB. Internally the circulation space widens at the centre of the plan to provide space for the main staircase and an opportunity to provide natural light at the heart of the building. Rooms of various scales open off this main central space which in essence is like an internal street.

The building is the result of 4 years working with Prosper Meath and Byrne Looby Group with immersion in the complex process of briefing, design, statutory approvals, funding, demolition and construction. This will be a great town centre facility for Prosper and Navan and we are looking forward to seeing it in operation.