More additions to Galway city’s Crown Square as blocks with apartments and créche go to planning
A major new accommodation block has been proposed as part of the Crown Square development in Galway City.
Crown Square Developments Ltd has lodged a planning application for the next phase of the wider 5.1-hectare scheme, comprising 129 apartments, 60 aparthotel rooms, retail space and a crèche.
The Crown Square development sits in between Monivea Road and Tuam Road in Mervue.
The application seeks permission for Block A and Block H2 as part of Phase 2 of the development, which will deliver additional residential and leisure facilities.
Block A, originally intended as office use, is proposed to be converted into accommodation, comprising 67 one-bedroom apartments and 62 two-bedroom apartments across the third to eighth floors.
Floor layout of accommodation facilities slated for Block A including conference and retail space on ground floor.
Two phases under the Crown Square Development Project.
The mezzanine and second floors would accommodate 60 aparthotel rooms, while the ground floor would include a gym, conference facilities and retail units.
The brownfield Crown Square site is zoned for enterprise, light industrial and commercial uses. Under planning requirements, the overall development must maintain a balance of 51pc commercial use and 49pc residential use.
In line with Part V legislation, 26 one- and two-bedroom apartments have been earmarked for social housing. These units are proposed for the third floor of Block A.
Monivea Road street view of proposed development entrance site.
The Monivea Road corridor is the subject of Galway City’s latest Active Travel proposals. Public consultation on the scheme opened in July and prompted debate over its similarities to the Ballybane/Castlepark project, particularly in relation to bus provision and construction impacts.
In addition, the application also seeks a change of use for Block H2, which was originally approved as a 312sqm gymnasium. Planning documents state that the building would instead be converted into a crèche to avoid placing “undue pressure” on existing facilities.
The proposed crèche would include an outdoor play area connected to the residential elements of Block A. A second crèche is already planned for Block G, which is currently under construction, with both facilities sharing a central green space and play area.
The development in suitably located on the popular 401 bus route serving Parkmore to Salthill through Eyre Square. One of the first buildings to be completed under the scheme was the Radisson Red hotel, which opened its doors in December 2024.
Layout of blocks for wider Crown Square project. Block C will become Galway City Council’s new offices in early 2027.
In April, planning permission was granted for Blocks D and E as office accommodation. They will join Blocks B and C, which have already been completed.
The Crown Square development is also set to become the future home of Galway City Council. Following approval of a €60m loan, the local authority agreed to relocate its offices to Block C, citing the current City Hall building, constructed in the 1980s, as no longer fit for purpose.
Council staff are expected to move into the new offices in early 2027.