'Don't stuff everything into square'

Urban designer James Hennessy makes a point.

The Market Square re-development project committee have been advised not to try and put too much into the square as they work towards a plan to make it a central focus of activity in the town, writes Brian Byrne.

Speaking at the recent workshop on the project held in the Town Hall, urban designer James Hennessy said it isn't a large space and they should 'resist the temptation to stuff the square with everything'. He also said the project is 'as much about economics as it is about architecture' and that a key question is to establish what is the square to be used for? "You are already answering that," he noted, in reference to events such as concerts and festive season street markets. "And what you have done is excellent."

On the 'character and quality' in any redevelopment, he advised the group not to do anything without commiting to the highest quality possible.

He observed that the area could become a focus for the heritage and cultural aspects of Kilcullen. "It should be about the history, and the stories that you have to tell."

That last comment triggered a discussion on just what are the heritage and history characteristics of Kilcullen? Noel Clare noted that in 2019 the town will be celebrating 700 years since the first bridge was built here across the Liffey, beginning the shift away from the monastic site of Old Kilcullen being the principal settlement. "And it is probable that Old Kilcullen was there because of the nearby ancient royal site of Dun Ailinne, a regular gathering place for people long before Christianity came. These are important stories."

Local architect Laura Bowen, who is working with the project committee on the development of a plan, noted that modern Kilcullen is unusual in the number of multi-generational family-owned businesses, and that this should be reflected in any branding that might be developed for the town.

Joe Boland, Director of Services with Kildare County Council, said that other 'stories, myths and legends' should be gathered which could be part of the story of Kilcullen that would be integrated in the physical environment of the square.