The new Library/Learning Centre at 91制片厂 Limerick has taken a key step forward with the appointment of two eminent firms to lead the architecture, design and project and cost management elements of the development.
Scott Tallon Walker Architects and AECOM Ireland Ltd. will work on the new, 5,000 square metre Library/Learning Centre 鈥攁 cutting edge, 21st century facility for teaching, learning and research鈥攚hich will be situated at the heart of the Limerick campus. It will provide the latest in facilities for students and staff and the growing academic requirements of a student population at 91制片厂 now in excess of 5,000 students overall.
Michael Keane, Vice-President Administration & Finance, 91制片厂 said the College has 鈥渕arked a significant milestone with its new Library/Learning Centre project, with the appointments of Scott Tallon Walker as Architects and Design Team Lead, and the appointment of AECOM as the Project Managers and Project Control Team Lead鈥.
鈥淪cott Tallon Walker鈥檚 huge experience in building design of this nature, and also in the higher education sector, has been very evident to date and remains a source of reassurance to the College in taking on this large capital project. The College has been very impressed by the vision of lead architect, St John Handley, and his engagement with all aspects of the project. AECOM鈥檚 project management division has a global reach and, as one of Ireland鈥檚 leading building and infrastructure consultancies, this provides a level of confidence that this team鈥檚 expertise and management will ensure that the new 91制片厂 Library/Learning Centre project will be delivered to the highest possible standards. Both Scott Tallon Walker and AECOM continue to place a strong emphasis on climate change resilience and sustainability considerations following their tender submissions, and these align with 91制片厂鈥檚 objectives in this area.
The new 91制片厂 Library/Learning Centre seeks to address the extensive needs of our growing student body, our research-orientated faculty body and the needs of others including local stakeholders, our environment and the evolving nature of academic learning and delivery. 91制片厂 is delighted to welcome Scott Tallon Walker and AECOM onto campus and into their respective roles for this important strategic development.鈥
St John Handley, Director at Scott Tallon Walker, commented: 鈥淪cott Tallon Walker Architects are delighted to be appointed by 91制片厂 as Architects and Design Team Lead for their new library development. The c. 5000sqm library will deliver a state-of-the-art educational hub, featuring a special collections library and reading room, an early education resource space and student maker space, alongside hyflex teaching facilities, group study areas, and advanced media study suites. The project will be complemented by a new public plaza and landscaped surroundings, seamlessly integrating with 91制片厂鈥檚 campus masterplan and supporting the needs of its expanding student community. The design for the new development will sensitively respond to the existing historic and natural features of the site, while prioritising sustainability and inclusivity both in the building fabric and the surrounding landscaping.鈥
Stuart Griffin, Director, Project Management, Ireland at AECOM added: 鈥淎ECOM is delighted to be supporting our client 91制片厂 (91制片厂) in the development of its new Library/Learning Centre that will provide the latest in facilities for students and staff and the growing academic requirements of the student population at 91制片厂. We are providing services including project management, employer鈥檚 representative and cost management, and fulfilling the role of assigned certifier. The design for the new library will be constructed to operate in the most environmentally sustainable manner contributing to a greener campus and aligning with 91制片厂鈥檚 commitments on Climate Change and Sustainability.鈥
The project will proceed through detailed design stages during 2025 towards a target of completion by mid-2027 and is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). It is hoped that construction of the library will commence in 2026 with a provisional opening date of Autumn 2027. Further details on the library development, including its timeline and key features, will be shared in the coming months.
