Waterford Chamber has welcomed Waterford City and County Council’s commitment to reinvest in the William Vincent Wallace Plaza, recognising the opportunity to transform one of the city’s most prominent waterfront spaces into a destination that drives footfall, dwell time and economic activity.
Following 25 years without significant reinvestment in the site, the Chamber believes the refurbishment presents an opportunity to create one of Waterford’s finest public spaces. However, in its submission to the Council’s public consultation, the Chamber has argued that the Plaza needs purpose as well as planting.
According to Gerald Hurley, CEO Waterford Chamber: "Waterford Council’s vision is for a distinctive, landscape-led public space, placing people and nature at its centre, with a strong emphasis on planting and enhancing the landscape character. While the Chamber supports this approach, we believe landscaping alone will not provide a reason for people to visit, linger and return. Given the Plaza’s location on the River Suir, beside Reginald’s Tower and at the historic heart of the city, the space should first be defined by what it does for residents and visitors, before considering how it is landscaped.
"After all, successful cities create reasons to visit that can’t be replicated online or in out-of-town retail parks."
WHERE THE GREENWAY BEGINS
Waterford Chamber believes there is already a compelling purpose available: making the Plaza the formal city-centre starting point of the Waterford Greenway.
Waterford Chamber previously commissioned a concept for the site, then known as Millennium Plaza, under the banner “Where Ireland Began, The Greenway Begins.” The concept envisaged the Plaza as both the starting point for a journey and an anchor point for visitors. Cycle stands, wayfinding and signage would mark the beginning or end of a Greenway journey, while heritage interpretation, Viking-inspired public art and a dedicated photography point would encourage visitors to stop, explore and share their experience.
This would give the Plaza a clear identity while complementing a high-quality landscape design. Seating, planting and attractive materials would become part of a wider experience, rather than being the sole reason for the investment.
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
The Chamber is also proposing a practical solution to the long-term maintenance of the space. A significant public realm investment will inevitably require ongoing expenditure on planting, cleaning, horticulture and asset renewal. The submission asks the Council to clarify whether a dedicated annual maintenance budget will be provided following completion.
Importantly, the Chamber believes the Plaza could partially contribute towards its own upkeep. It proposes incorporating carefully designed food and beverage kiosks or units, with concession or rental income contributing directly to maintenance costs. Such facilities would also add vibrancy, encourage people to stay longer and create an additional amenity for residents and visitors.
The Chamber’s three key requests are therefore straightforward: give the Plaza a clear functional purpose as the gateway to the Waterford Greenway, design food and beverage provision into the refurbishment with a potential concession model and provide clarity on the Council’s long-term maintenance commitment.
The objective is not simply to create a more attractive space. It is to create a destination: somewhere people want to visit, spend time and return to, strengthening the connection between Waterford’s waterfront, heritage, tourism and city centre businesses. As the submission makes clear, the opportunity is to create a lasting civic space that works for the city both socially and economically.
Click here to view the submission in full.
