Planning permission sought to transform defunct Waterford postal office into artisan market
The site is described as a "long, irregular plot" that encompasses High Street, Keizer Street and Custom House Quay. Concept art shows a two-storey building with canopies surronding the building's exterior.
Sorting Archives Limited has applied for planning permission, in the hope of turning a derelict postal sorting office on Waterford city's High Street into a food and craft market and event venue.
The location sits at the corner of High Street and Keizer Street, and stretches down to the Quay.
The development proposes a large indoor space with a central dining area bordered by individual food vendors and stalls. Cork’s Marina Market was cited as a reference point for the project, although the development would inevitably be on a smaller scale.
Waterford-architecture firm Elliot Design said the new development “is intended to create a walk-through route that will link both buildings via accessible stairs and lift to a new mezzanine floor level to be constructed around the dining area, which is located at ground floor level.
“The proposed development will provide a variety of individual food pod outlets with associated dining areas located centrally.”
An Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment noted the proposed development sits in one of the city’s most “historically layered areas”.
“There is some dereliction prevalent within the area but many of the historic buildings on the street have been restored and refurbished, and this portion of the city continues to be an important part of the city’s cultural heritage and is a vital link between the Viking Triangle and John Roberts Square to the west with access to the Quay,” the report said.
While the property has ties to Waterford’s ancient Viking past, there remains no archaeological evidence worth preserving.
“This proposal to revitalise a portion of the historic city, in my opinion, does not prove injurious to the overall character of the area and has been tastefully executed by the design team,” said Dr Robbin Stubs, a conservation consultant.
A decision on the proposal is due to be made by Waterford City and County Council by March 15.
