St Kevin's, a historic building in the town of Mullingar, is set to be converted into premium self-catering tourist accommodation.
A County Monaghan developer has unveiled plans to convert a historic office building in one of the Midlands' largest cities into self-catering tourist accommodation.
Carrickmacross-based BFJ Developments recently took over St Kevin's, a two-storey 19th-century building on Bishop's Gate Street in Mullingar, to return it to use as a thriving bed and breakfast business.
These plans include the construction of nine en-suite bedrooms over two floors, as well as two kitchen and dining areas and a living area.
The building, which is a listed building, will also be equipped with an emergency staircase on its southwest facade, subject to planning.
Likewise, BFJ Developments has submitted designs for retaining approval for emergency exit doors on the side facade of the building, removing pebbles and restoring original log construction to the front.
In a conservation method statement prepared on behalf of BFJ Developments, Mullingar-based John Madden & Associates said improving access to a historic building such as St Kevin's would arguably be the biggest challenge for its new owners.
“It requires a creative and innovative approach from the architect and flexibility from the owners, building managers and users,” the report says.
“Providing wheelchair access to a building is probably the biggest conflict between improving access and preserving the built heritage.”
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The report also added that repair work will also need to be carried out on the roof of the building to bring it into line with current building regulations.
A final decision on the plans is expected to be made on or before February 2nd.