Abbeylands tender shortlisting to begin
Shortlisting of contractors for the landmark Abbeylands redevelopment is expected to get underway shortly, marking a major step forward for one of the most ambitious regeneration projects ever undertaken in Cavan Town.
Cavan County Council is currently at the “early stage” of assessing tenders with a view to appointing a main contractor before the end of the year. While some elements of design remain to be finalised, Director of Service Brendan Jennings says the intention is to move decisively through the process.
“We’d like to have everything in place certainly,” he said, confirming that phase one will focus on the former McIntyre’s building, Abbeylands itself and the Donohoe Foodfare site. Later phases will incorporate the post office grounds.
“The big hurdle, once we get through the tendering process, is securing final Departmental approval. That should happen quickly once the tender outcome is known, and then we move forward from there.”
Demolition works behind the Townhall Arts Centre have been completed, with the former McIntyre’s furniture store and bowling alley now completely cleared. Other enabling works - including demolition, site investigations, and stabilisation of historic structures - have also been carried out, preparing the site for the first major phase of construction once a contractor has been appointed.
The Abbeylands Masterplan has been shaped through extensive consultation with the community, landowners and businesses. It sets out a bold vision for social, cultural and economic renewal in the heart of the county town, with the aim of enhancing the public realm as a welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike.
Phase one includes the construction of two three-storey office buildings, a shared community services building (939m²), and a business development hub with community functions at ground-floor level (1,483m²). Existing structures, including the historic coach house, will be restored and repurposed as a café. A new multi-functional civic space with enhanced pedestrian links will connect the development seamlessly to surrounding streets.