Fingal County Council ‘Our Balbriggan’ Team, under guidance from FCC Architects Department, is just completing a short Enabling Works contract in advance of a Conservation Project for the Boat house and Bath House, King Strand, Balbriggan. These beautiful buildings - both are boathouses in fact, for different sized rescue craft - and their impressive slipway, are part of Balbriggan’s and Fingal’s physical and social heritage.
The current works involve the removal of vegetation, the clearing and salvage of fallen masonry and timber, and the provision of safe access to the buildings to allow a close assessment for the next phase of work. We have discovered a number of original construction features in both structures, and have added a re-construction of one of them - a formerly collapsed redbrick arch in the smaller Boathouse - with some likely Balbriggan brick salvaged from the recent demolitions in Balbriggan harbour.
Vandalism is largely responsible for their current dereliction, with the effects of climate accelerating the process. The buildings are well-sited against the sea and prevailing wind, which gives us confidence that a full re-construction is achievable, as well as being worthwhile. FCC has also identified a low impact and appropriate use for the buildings as revived boathouses for Fingal Rowing Club and Balbriggan Scouts.
In the next few months, we will complete proposals with our engineering, archaeological and ecological team for the various planning permissions required for such a sensitive site, and hopefully then proceed to a sustainable re-use.
12 окт 2024
