An impressive new €13m corporate headquarters for Roscommon County Council is under construction in Church Road adjacent to a courthouse in Roscommon, Ireland.
The project, which commenced in February 2014, includes the construction of approximately 6,500m² of new, high-quality accommodation within an ‘E’ shaped three-storey building, including offices, new council chambers and laboratories on a very restricted site.
The new building will replace a courthouse and premises in various locations which were rented by the council, which will now have a unified location for all council services.
Main contractors for the scheme are JSL Group trading as Stewart Ltd; architects are ABK Architects.
Challenges overcome by the contract team include working within a ‘live’ work environment (operational council offices and active law courts,) with construction taking place in close proximity to members of the public. The project also requires the coordination of phased decanting of council staff from existing accommodation on the site.
In addition, the scheme involves works to the adjacent courthouse – a Protected Structure – including the partial demolition of a 1960’s annexe and the limited refurbishment of the original courthouse structure. Ancillary works include the design and construction of adjoining surface car parking.
The works also include the retention of fragments of existing stone walls of a 19th century jail which previously occupied the site and their integration into the design of the new building.
The new building is geared to achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and a Building Energy Rating of ‘A3’ through the design, specification and use of innovative environmental solutions.
A pedestrian link between the town centre, the new car park and the new offices will also be provided.
Currently the structure is virtually complete and the installation of services is underway.
John O’Rourke, Director of Services, Housing HR and Corporate Services at Roscommon County Council told Premier Construction:
“This is an extremely important project for us – and we feel that we are getting a very good building for a very good price.”
It is anticipated that the new building will be open in the autumn of 2015.
Established in 1902, Stewart has an extensive portfolio of quality contracts across all sectors.
An award-winning company with an innovative approach, Stewart has an enviable track record in exceeding client expectations. Projects range in value up to €50m and are undertaken nationwide in the education, leisure and hospitality, health, industrial, commercial and retail sectors.
