Limerick's Opera Square achieves key milestone

Work on the wider 3.7-acre Opera Square commercial development — one of the largest city centre build projects undertaken in Ireland outside of Dublin — commenced three years ago and is targeted for completion in 2027. File picture

Limerick’s €80m One Opera Square marked a key milestone as the development topped out in recent days.

The building is being developed by Treaty Stone Partnership, a joint venture between Limerick Twenty Thirty DAC and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF). Limerick Twenty Thirty is the wholly owned Limerick City and County subsidiary.

Once completed, it will provide 106,000 sq ft of new office space with a capacity for 1,000 workers, to become an employment hub for 1,000 people.

When completed in April 2025 the building will comprise over 106,000 sq ft of Grade A office space over five floors with a capacity of 1000 employees. It also has three restaurant/retail units at the ground floor level.

Work on the wider 3.7-acre Opera Square commercial development — one of the largest city centre build projects undertaken in Ireland outside of Dublin — commenced three years ago and is targeted for completion in 2027. 

The programme so far has involved the largest demolition and enabling works undertaken in Limerick, including navigating delicate works around retaining 16 of 18 Georgian buildings as well as archaeological features, including old walls, caverns and vaults.

Speaking at the ‘topping out ceremony’ after the project reached roof level on time and on budget, Chairman of Treaty Stone Partnership Barry O’Sullivan said that the development will be a catalyst for the regeneration of the prominent city centre block. "[It] will enable us to compete at the highest level for inward investment, in turn continuing the ongoing revitalisation of the city centre."

Mayor of Limerick John Moran said: "It is a proud moment for our city, showcasing our ability to deliver world-class projects that attract investment and create significant employment opportunities. The success of One Opera Square is a clear signal that Limerick is ready to compete on the global stage.”

The project is being built by main contractor, Sisk and was designed by Coady Architects. One Opera Square will enable occupiers to achieve their net zero carbon goals by being one of the most sustainable workplaces in the world using 60% less energy than the average building. 

The building is EU Taxonomy Compliant and meets the highest sustainability, efficiency and digital connectivity standards achieving the top accreditation possible including LEED Platinum, WiredScore Platinum, and WELL Platinum.