The arrangement of streets and buildings in Clara may be restricting its economic success

THE existing urban structure and the arrangement of the streets, spaces and buildings in the town of Clara may be ''restricting it’s success particularly economically.''

This was one of the preliminary findings made in relation to the 'Clara Town Centre First Plan.'

Under the theme of Placemaking it was found that the spatial arrangement of the built landscape could be one of the reasons why local people are not ''utilising the town centre in greater numbers in terms of the retail, residential, commercial and other services it provides.''

Placemaking is described as ''the process of creating quality places that are attractive to people to live, work, visit, and socialise in. It includes the spatial arrangement of buildings, streets and spaces and takes into consideration the built and natural heritage, public realm, open space and areas for recreation.''

The Town Centre First Plan will look at what opportunities exist in the town to enhance the quality of ‘place’.

Clonakilty in Cork, is presented as a case study. It has a population of 4,592.

Clonakilty developed an Urban Design masterplan (‘Clonakilty 400’) in conjunction with its residents. This sets out a long term vision for the town.

It is described as ''a traditional market town, however like many rural towns in Ireland it was suffering from issues such as vacancy, dereliction, poor visual streetscape quality with a reduction in its service function along with flooding issues. ''

Elements of Clonakilty’s masterplan include:

Community aware of the heritage value of its townscape.

Preservation of traditional shop fronts and re-establishing social activities on the street.

Town main square changing from a car focused and derelict town centre to a hub that can facilitate increased socio-economic activity, socialising and wellbeing.

Reimagining Emmet Square based on new movement patterns.

Removal of car spaces on Main Street to provide pocket parks.

In the weeks and months going forward the Clara Project Team will be seeking how best Clara can make best use of what it has to offer.

Four themes have emerged for its future development, these include Community, Heritage & Tourism, Natural Infrastructure and Placemaking.

People are being invited to make submissions on the plan. The deadline is January 13 2023.

The Government's Town Centre First Policy recognises that successful places: are characterised by an attractive public realm that is designed to invite people to meet, mingle and dwell. Provide a mix of housing types to cater for diverse communities in terms of age, income and mobility. Provide opportunities for the amenity, health and well-being of residents, workers and visitors. Provide a range of cultural, recreational and community spaces that bring together community members and attract visitors and tourists.

Urban Agency Architects Ltd have been appointed to lead the preparation of the Clara Town Centre First Plan, a draft of which is expected in 2023.