My concerns are as follows:
1) Since Narrative 4 ave leased the building the space has become a cultural hub and I have attended many exhibits, readings, workshops and musical events. The range of organisations actively using the space is staggering:
a range of -Limerick City primary and secondary schools.
- Céim ar Chéim/ Moyross Youth Academy
--Doras Luimni
-Limerick Restorative Practices Project
-Southill Hub
-Learning Hub
-Jig Saw Limerick
-Limerick Suicide Prevention Office
-Youth Reach
-Girls Stories Migrant Project
-Sing Out With Strings
-Write PACE Writing Group
-Mary Immaculate International Office
-The Limerick Spring Festival
-Open House Limerick
-Make a Move Festival
Limerick Georgian Society
-Emerging Limerick Filmmakers
-Limerick Youth Service
-Cork YPMCA
-Limerick Youth Theatre
-Creative Writing M.A UL
-Limerick Probation Service
-Liveable Limerick
-Gaisce
-Limerick UL Fab Lab
-Limerick Lifetime Learning Festival
-West Limerick Resources
-Rethink Ireland
-World Recipe Exchange /Ormston House
-Thomond College
-Nano Nagle
-Our Lady of Lourdes
-Corpus Christi School
I myself am involved in several projects that collaborate with N4 and utilise the space. A current project involves working with young migrants who will be engaging in workshops held in N4.
My major concern is that all these organisations will no longer be able to use the space as the proposal significantly change the available space to make the type of collaborative group work impossible.
2) N4 are wonderful custodians of No. 58. The building aesthetic is sympathetic to its heritage, particularly the original architectural front which is an irreplaceable aspect of Limericks architectural heritage and should be protected in any new proposal.
3) While I welcome the addition of apartments the council should consider potentially ring-fencing these for emerging artists/writers and design with their needs in mind. e.g. a communal writing space. I believe that this would fulfil a vision for the space that respects its lineage but that would also tie in with the mission and values of N4 and thereby create a synergy in the tenants of the building.
4) With N4 as custodians there is a real incentive to come to this area of the city which is made considerably unattractive by a number of vacant lots and empty streets. Additionally there is very little activity in the area after 5pm but Narrative often have late night events and it is wonderful to see the area lit up and busy during these times. The proposed changes would render these type of events impossible and have a negative effect on the area.