Make-over plans to make city shopper-friendly
At present Bedford Row is undergoing a €2.6 million make-over and it will be pedestrianised when it reopens next June.
It is hoped that a bronze statue of Richard Harris will be unveiled on the new street on the opening day. Bedford Row is the latest street to be pedestrianised and Lower Thomas Street is next on the list.
The Limerick City Business Association yesterday held a networking day for it’s 170 members.
The LCBA was set up in 2003 by traders to help draw up proposals to rejuvenate the city centre.
Michael Gleeson of the LCBA said: “When the five year plan we have drawn up to improve the city centre is completed, the city will have the wow factor to attract shoppers.”
Traders now feel it crucial to take a proactive approach to making the city centre more shopper friendly to counter the huge shopping centres in the suburbs.
Mr Gleeson has special responsibility for Christmas lighting in the city this year.
He said: “We will be spending €200,000 on Christmas lights this December.
“Our plan is to buy a completely new sets of lights year by year for every street. And we also have the ice rink at the Potato Market over the Christmas and New Year holiday. This year it will remain open for six weeks compared to four last year when it was a huge success.”
The redesign plan for Bedford Row was done by Nicholas Dejond Associates.
A site for the Richard Harris statue has yet to be decided upon and there are moves to have his friend, Hollywood actor Russell Crowe, officiate at the unveiling ceremony.
