Corporate retreat ‘pods’ plan for North Wexford
THE Skellig Michael isolated beehive huts, constructed by monks in 600 AD, have inspired well-known businessman Harry Crosbie in his latest development proposal for north Wexford.
Harry and Rita Crosbie, who recently exited NAMA, have applied for planning permission to construct ‘Kilpatrick Corporate Retreat – A Campus for Intellectual Excellence Wexford’ in Castletown, which will consist of seven habitable isolation pods along the coastline.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Crosbie said: ‘Wexford is poised for a breakthrough to realise its full potential in the 21st century and we hope our little scheme will play a part in this.’
Mr Crosbie said the retreat will welcome visitors from large international organisations and academic institutions. He said that if approved by Wexford County Council, the project will put county Wexford on the map, not only creating a tourism related objective, but also encouraging large inward investment from these bodies.
In the application, Wexford architect Fergus Flanagan states the pods are designed to reinforce the feeling of isolation. They are accessed via a bridge and the front door is a gib door – one with no visible trim. The pods are three-storey structures, so below the ground, on the ground and above the ground.
He says the site offers uninterrupted views of the sea to the east. The design had to knit into the environment, taking its influence from both the past and the surroundings. His solution was to create something which would also speak of the future.
Mr Flanagan says that as the campus would be an international retreat, it needed to employ an international language – music. Each of the seven pods represents a music note.
‘If granted, the proposals would put Wexford on the international stage as a place where world decision makers and industrial leaders would desire to come to.
‘The gates to the retreat centre will remain closed at all times and entrance will only be by invitation of the working group.
‘The site will have a minivan and a small boat for purposes of transport and relaxation. It is essential the site should have full technological cover.’