Former dairy set to be building HQ
THE former Aurivo dairy just off the main Strandhill Road could become a head office for a construction company.
The co- operative has applied for planning to change part of the former Sligo Dairies at Barnasraghy into a building contractor’s facility comprising offices, storage yard and workshop areas with an estimated staff of about 30.
The application to Sligo County Council was submitted on October 4th with a decision due on November 28th.
The decommissioned Sligo Dairies is described as a landmark building in the application which also states that in a short space of time some dereliction had occurred at the site.
“By adapting the existing industrial space it allows a more flexible and efficient use of an existing structure and site which may otherwise fall further into dereliction.
“Some demolition work will be carried out at the site to remove redundant dairy infrastructure which will help futureproof the site,” states a letter sent to the local authority with the application on behalf of Aurivo by Rhatigan Architects.
It is proposed to demolish the existing compressor plant, pumphouse, buildings, gatehouse, loading bay, porta cabin, disused silo, reservoir tank, effluent tank and septic tank.
Rhatigan Architects also state that the industrial nature of the site means that it can be easily adapted to the needs of the proposed development. One of the key aspects to the site was the existing vehicular access.
“It is extremely well suited to accommodate the estimated staff numbers and storage needs foresee at the site.
“Existing parking to the north of the site will be used for visitors and office staff while access to the south will accommodate the movement of goods and material creating a safe and well defined working environment,” said the letter.
It points out that the main architectural interventions will be to the processing plant, cold storage unit and adjacent sing story structure.
These will comprise the installation of a curtain walling system to the west and south facade, the construction of a new entrance located to the north of the existing processing plant and recladding works.
“The works will have a very low impact on the surrounding dwellings and landscape,” the submission stated.
Internal works will include converting the existing processing unit into an open plan office space which will be wrapped in curtain walling. New toilets, staff canteen and storage rooms will be located beside the new office.
There will also be a conference room, manager’s office, single occupancy office and reception area.
The Sligo Dairies plant closed in 2015 and was put up for sale with an asking price of € 400,00 by Aurivo. Sligo Dairies Limited was set up in March 1970.