The first phase of development in Kilkenny city's much-anticipated urban regeneration scheme the Abbey Quarter is on track for completion in October. The Brewhouse, as it will be known, is set to be the flagship element of the development and will comprise over 50,000sq ft of grade-A office accommodation. The building has been redeveloped from the historic brewery that Smithwicks operated on the site from 1710 to 2014.

Aoife O’Neill of Lisney says the estate agent has seen “good interest” in the Brewhouse from potential occupiers seeking high-quality office accommodation. A design team has been appointed for the next office block at the scheme which will also comprise 50,000sq ft. A planning application for the building is expected to be submitted this September.

The Brewhouse is being developed by Abbey Quarter Developments, which is a partnership between Kilkenny County Council and the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) in its capacity as controller and manager of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).

The partnership has plans to develop six more building plots as part of the new urban quarter providing a mix of uses including office, residential, education and retail. Upon completion the Abbey Quarter will also include a new urban park, square and streets. The scheme will bear the distinction of being the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited neighbourhood development in Ireland.