Of course it is a welcome decision to renovate the building that is 58 O Connell Street, but at the expense of completly changing the groundfloor in the Architectural plans. The beautifully already restored ground floor has housed the Gobal Headquarters of Narrative4 since its inception here in Ireland. It is perhaps one of the few designated open plan community spaces of its' kind, that has had a major positive impact of many citizens of this city plus other Organisations and Educational Institutions. As a Lecturer in third level, I have worked with marginslised groups in this domain within the context of Narrative4 over the last 6 years.
Changing the ground floor space into offices is another example of Limerick erasing aesthetic spaces and community oriented places. What about the disaster that is Cruises St? Or Arthurs Quay or Dilapitated Georgian Limerick to name a few.
Removing the old victorian window is like throwing out Cannicks Clock. Can we not learn from these past errors of judgment. A space is not just bricks and mortar, Limerick citizens need spaces to connect in and thrive so they can contribute to building a Limerick City that people want to live and work in. Look to other examples of combining a crafted oriented space like N4 living in harmony with housing. Turning the ground floor into offices and toilets is not a solution.