€1.29m intergenerational centre plans for Tymon Park
By Mary Dennehy
PROPOSED design plans for a €1.29m intergenerational centre at the Wellington Road-end of Tymon Park were unveiled in council chambers this week.
Located off the carpark and overlooking the main lake, the current concept plan is for a multi-use facility that is adaptable to community use.
An artist impression of the €1.29 million intergenerational centre at the Wellington Lane side of Tymon Park
According to the council, the proposed design includes several function rooms, a multi-functional community space and a coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating.
The outdoor terrace is sheltered by a canopy, which can provide space for out-door cinema and other events, including outdoor games, such as chess and scrabble.
In a presentation to councillors earlier this week, council management said that the proposed facility will enhance the park experience for all users, through the inclusion of a cafe and public toilets.
In 2009, local Rathfarnham – Templeogue councillor Pamela Kearns approached South Dublin County Council about the need for an intergenerational community hub in the Templeogue area.
“There is no community centre, library, intergenerational space in the Templeogue area”, Cllr Kearns (Labour) this week told The Echo.
Cllr Pamela Kearns at the location of the site
“There are some great community facilities around Templeogue, but nothing in the area… there’s just this gap.”
The current concept has evolved from several options considered in recent years, including the original proposal for an age friendly facility at Templeogue House.
According to the council, the ‘preferred location’ chosen is the south-facing terrace in Tymon Park, adjacent to the pedestrian entrance and the car park at Wellington Road.
The location being within walking distance of Templeogue village and other nearby neighbourhood centres has been cited as an advantage, alongside the option to use the facility independently of park opening and closing hours.
The council said that the proposed facility, which would be managed by the council’s community services department, is designed for use by small and medium sized groups that require a flexible space.
These groups could include active age, parent and baby, Tidy Towns, resident associations, yoga, pilates and keep-fit groups, reading, knitting, bridge, historical societies and education groups.
“I believe this centre would be a huge positive for the area”, Cllr Kearns said.
“I’m also delighted with the proposed design, I think it fits in very well with the park and has an eco-friendly roof, it blends into its surrounding.
“I’m so thrilled for the community…and thanks to councillors and the management team for their support.”
In its report, the council said that a landscape plan for the proposed facility is ‘integrated into the parkland setting’.
“The plan also provides for compensatory planting and enhances the pollinator planting within the area”, the council report said.
“This planting area may be of interest to gardening/wildlife interested groups etc. who may wish to use the facility.
“The proposed green roof helps to integrate the facility into the parks landscape, provides an ecological habitat and enhances sustainable drainage.”
The preliminary design for the project is currently being finalised, with the proposed plan due to go to Part 8 Public Consultation in early 2021.
“I would encourage every member of the public to engage with the Part 8 Consultation stage”, Cllr Kearns said.
“This is a hub for the community, and the community needs to have its say.”
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