Work has begun on University of Limerick's new city centre campus.
According to UL President Professor Kerstin Mey, work began on Monday morning at the former site of the Dunnes Stores building at Sarsfield Street.
The work is focused on preparing the building's first floor to house the UL FabLab, the +CityxChange project, an innovation lab and community engagement lab. A new access lift and ramp will be constructed at the entrance to the building, along with the installation of new doors.
"These are collaborative projects between UL and the Limerick City and County Council which will benefit greatly from this new city centre location," said Professor Mey. "The works will also include the development of community exhibition and meeting spaces."
This phase of the project is estimated to cost €650,000. The project is funded by the Urban Regional Development Fund.
"Working with our partners in the region we have great ambition for all that this campus will become in the future. The University is deeply committed to Limerick and the city centre campus will reflect both the academic excellence we are known for as well as being a vital extension of our beautiful campus in the heart of the city. The site is large, but our ambition for it is even greater," said Professor Mey. "This is truly the start of a significant new chapter in the University’s history and one that we are very excited about. It will be wonderful to see it start to take shape."
The first phase of work on the campus is expected to be completed by October.