Historic Westport House announces innovative Master Plan that will drive economic enhancement of the region
The 18th century historic Westport House, situated on a 500 acre estate on the shores of Clew Bay in Westport, Co. Mayo, has announced an innovative long-term Master Plan that welcomes submissions from interested parties on the re-development and re-vitalization of the popular tourist attraction.
The Master Plan includes a high quality restoration and development programme that aims to secure the attraction’s long term conservation, deliver a quantum improvement in its visitor experience and ultimately drive the economic enhancement of the region.
The planning framework for the estate, which is privately owned by the Browne family, allows for the potential sale of property with considerable options for leisure, residential, commercial and business projects within the land. It offers the potential for the estate to become an iconic themed project with international appeal.
The Master Plan welcomes submissions from property investors, joint venture partners and those interested in preserving the traditions and cultures of this important heritage and tourist attraction, along with its rich hinterland, to submit ideas that will develop and revitalize the estate, and, ultimately benefit the region as a whole.
(Is there any monetary value you can give to this project – ie. how much are you looking to raise for restoration and to ensure long-term sustainability? )
Commenting on the developments, Sheelyn Browne, joint managing director of Westport House, said: ‘The future development opportunities offered through the Westport House Master Plan are immense and this is a very exciting time. We are committed to the long-term future of this important heritage property and it is important that all prospective uses must be of high quality and in keeping with the character of the estate and the surrounding area.’
Gerard O’Toole of Tuohy O’Toole Auctioneers, Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors who is acting for the Estate says: ‘It is very rare to find such a unique attraction in close proximity to an attractive town such as Westport. The development of the estate is undoubtedly of major strategic importance to Westport and the region. Given the obvious difficulties in the wider property market, this is a long-term project that will take many years to realise. We are currently in the course of identifying specific end uses that we would favour and are confident of delivering high-quality development in the years ahead.’
The Master Plan is in response to a request in 2004 by the Westport Town Manager to the Browne Family, who privately own the Estate, to ensure the preservation of one of Irelands most beautiful and important historical properties and to build on the economic enhancement of the region.
It is expected the new developments will generate a growth in employment directly and in-directly.
Westport House is within close proximity to lakes, rivers, beaches and a golf course. It is one of the few remaining Heritage Houses in the country, complete with original contents, that is still in the ownership of the original family who built it. Along with the Historic Westport House, the Estate includes a Pirate Adventure Park, Parkland Caravan and Camping Park and Adventure Activity Centre, which attracts 100,000 visitors per annum. Westport House is also a unique and exclusive private events venue and in 2012 will host the Westport Festival for Music & Performing Arts. Recently voted “Best Family Visitor Attraction” by 2,000 readers of Primary Times magazine, Westport House has welcomed over 4 million visitors since opening its doors to the public, employs up to 100 people onsite annually and makes a significant contribution to the local tourism businesses through indirect employment, onsite partner businesses and use of local services and products.
For further information on development opportunities, contact Gerard O’Toole, Tuohy O’Toole Auctioneers, Estate Agents & Chartered Surveyors in Westport Co. Mayo on (098) 28000 or [email protected].