Major regeneration of former Maryland Hotel and historic Sherlock House is planned
Maryland Hotel
Plans are in place to transform a set of historic buildings in Waterford city.
A brand new development named ‘Wallace Townhouse’ is planned at the former Maryland Hotel at The Mall/Catherine Street, and the adjoining building, Sherlock House on Catherine Street.
The proposed development seeks to adapt the buildings for use as a city-centre townhouse, providing a total of 28 en-suite rooms.
Planned at the former Maryland Hotel building which faces the Mall and Catherine Street, is the construction of 20 bedrooms.
Proposed is the demolition and removal of the entire third and fourth floor levels. The construction of a new extension at the second-floor level and the construction of new third and fourth floors with increased floor area is planned.
A new ground floor street façade facing The Mall providing a new entrance and windows will be also constructed.
At the adjoining Sherlock House on Catherine Street, eight bedrooms are planned to be developed in the building.
Also planned is the demolition and removal of the existing timber façade facing Catherine Street and the provision of a brand new façade at the first floor level.
Both Maryland House and Sherlock House are protected structures and the design approach will need to be conservation-led.
The building's interior and exterior contain historic features, including a painted plaster coat of arms in the courtyard of Sherlock House, which is presently not visible from the road.
It is a protected structure, however its origin is unknown and further investigation is required to determine its provenance. It is recommended that it be repaired and painted.
As part of the plans, the ‘Wallace cartouche', a stone plaque which is dedicated to composer William Vincent Wallace, will be moved from its current position on the front facade of the Maryland Hotel building fronting the Mall, to the side facade of the building facing Catherine Street.
An architectural design statement which was submitted, says that the developer will take care in protecting the historic elements of the buildings.
"The proposal reorganises the currently fragmented layout into a coherent and functional townhouse environment, facilitating an appropriate city-centre accommodation use while protecting the architectural, cultural and artistic value of the protected structures" the statement says.
The local authority will decide on whether to accept or reject the development by April 29
