The last remaining structure on Waterford's North Quays is to be demolished within a number of weeks.
The Hennebique flour mill was built in 1905 however councillors voted unanimously last night to remove it to pave the way for the €300 million Alhokair development.
Deputy Council CEO Lar Power said they considered all uses for the building, from hotels to museums, but due to restrictive nature of the nine storey building, such as the very low ceiling heights and multiple internal columns, it wasn't practical to convert it. Also any conversion would effectively wipe out the originality of the structure.
Councillor Joe Kelly queried whether the North Quays development was reliant on the removal of the structure. Lar Power said the Council could not find a use for the building as part of any future development:
"We considered all options over the past year and a half but it was not practical. It's in a strategic position right in the centre of the site and it is our recommendation it be removed".
Fine Gael Councillor John Cummins proposed the removal of the building saying it was a necessary demolition, and the motion was seconded by Fianna Fail Cllr Eamon Quinlan.
