CLEEVES RIVERSIDE QUARTER
Cleeves Riverside Quarter is a landmark 10-acre site on the northern bank of the River Shannon, seamlessly connected to Limerick’s emerging city centre. Spanning both sides of the North Circular Road and O’Callaghan Strand, the site comprises several distinct character areas, including the historic Cleeves factory, the Shipyard site, and the Salesian’s site.
With a rich industrial heritage dating back to the mid-19th century, the site retains many of its original features, most notably the iconic red brick chimney that continues to define the Limerick skyline.
Designated as City Centre zoning under the Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028, the vision for Cleeves Riverside Quarter is a vibrant mixed-use destination. It will feature residential, commercial, office, and educational spaces, alongside cultural amenities and a dynamic public realm. Through thoughtful and creative planning, the site is poised to become one of the most exciting and talked-about developments in the Mid-West and across Ireland.
Project Objectives:
- Deliver a world-class mixed-use development including residential, commercial, cultural, community, and educational spaces.
- Revitalise the area with a strategic city centre proposal/span
- Stimulate the local economy through job creation and new attractions.
- Encourage new business investment.
- Preserve and integrate the site’s historic buildings and industrial heritage.
- Create a public realm that connects with the city core and the River Shannon.
- Implement high-quality urban design.
- Develop sustainable and innovative solutions that reflect the site’s central urban location.
Project Timeline & Engagement
Following Limerick Twenty Thirty’s acquisition of the site, the Project Team was appointed in September 2020. An Options Appraisal identified a Preferred Option, confirming the site’s suitability for mixed-use development. These findings informed the Masterplan, which was shared during public engagement sessions in March 2023 and officially published in November 2023.
Click here to view the Masterplan.
In May 2024, the Definitive Project Brief for the Residential Zones and Public Realm was completed.
As part of this process, two non‑statutory public consultation sessions were held in June 2025, with feedback reviewed and incorporated into the design proposals. A further round of public and stakeholder information events took place in October 2025, ahead of the formal planning submission.
Phase One – Stabilisation and Repair of Flaxmill
Conservation works on Flaxmill commenced in February 2026, with works scheduled to run for 15 months. Supported by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), Limerick Twenty Thirty is delivering this phase of essential heritage‑led stabilisation and repair works to one of Limerick’s most significant industrial buildings, safeguarding its long‑term future. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios are guiding conservation design and John Sisk & Son Ltd have been appointed as building contractors, with on‑site works led by specialist stonemasons, timber experts and ironwork craftspeople.
Phase Two – Residential and Public Realm
Planning for Phase Two, covering residential and public realm elements, has now been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála, informed by the public engagement carried out in 2025.
Phase Two Highlights
- 234 residential units
- 299 sqm of commercial space
- Purpose-built crèche
- 270 student accommodation rooms
- Enhanced public realm featuring:
- Reservoir/Quarry Park
- Flaxmill Square
- Riverside Corridor
- Demolition and site development works, including utility connections
The full planning application is now available online at:
https://www.limerick.ie/council/services/planning-and-placemaking/cleeves-riverside-quarter-planning-application
Phase Three – Technological University of the Shannon City Campus
A Memorandum of Agreement between Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has been prepared for the development of a campus on the Cleeves site which would include the Flaxmill Building.
Capacity: 10-acre site
Project Value: Circa €400m+
Stage:
- Phase One conservation works have commenced.
- Planning Submission Submitted for Phase Two.
- A Memorandum of Agreement between Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has been prepared for Phase Three.
Useful Links for Cleeves Riverside Quarter:
Cleeves Historical Short 5.mp4History of the Site
Cleeves Riverside Quarter Video Loop
