Limerick Twenty Thirty (LTT) and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), part of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), has announced the creation of a unique joint venture partnership to finance the development of the One Opera Square project in Limerick city centre.

LTT has appointed John Sisk & Son (Sisk) for the design and construction of the circa 10,000 sqm Opera Square site-wide basement and the six-storey One Opera Square office building. Works on the project have commenced and will be completed in January 2025.

Demolition and enabling works on the site – the largest such contract undertaken outside the capital – have already been completed by Sisk. This included the stabilisation of the 16 historic Georgian buildings onsite for redevelopment. The works on the current contract comprise the construction of the site wide basement and the 6 storey One Opera Square office building. The basement will accommodate 155 car spaces including Electronic Charging Spots, 323 bicycles and ancillary areas serving the buildings above.

Steven McGee, COO, Ireland, John Sisk & Son said: “On foot of the successful delivery of Phase 1 of Opera Square, Sisk is proud to have been selected as preferred contractor to complete Phase 2 of this project that will transform this area making it more competitive to attract European businesses and offer much-needed accommodation in the Midwest region. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on Phase 2 of Opera Square to leave a lasting legacy on local communities in Limerick.”

Chairman of LTT Conn Murray said: “The agreement is a major boost for the Opera Square project and the wider region. One Opera Square is going to be one of the landmark buildings in this emerging new Limerick city centre and will deliver huge economic benefits for the city and region, with a capacity for up to 1,000 employees.  Having a trusted partner like the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund on board to enable its delivery is a major vote of confidence in the wider project and Limerick’s growth potential.”

LTT & ISIF joint venture of €80m is the largest direct commitment by ISIF to date under its €500m investment programme for five regional cities – Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford –announced last summer. The programme is a cornerstone of ISIF’s new investment strategy that will result in major investment being targeted to each city in the form of new places to work, places to live and enabling investments resulting in the regeneration of regional city centres.

The Joint Venture Partnership was announced today at the first flagship project developed by LTT, the multi-award-winning Gardens International in the heart of Limerick.

One Opera Square will be developed over six flexible-use floors located at the corner of Michael Street and Ellen Street, in Limerick city centre. It provides for circa 10,000 sqm of Grade A office space and can accommodate several tenancies per floor and up to 1,000 employees in the building. The development will also offer restaurant and retail units at ground level with an external seating area in the Public Square, external landscaped roof terraces and world-class cycle facilities for employees.

One Opera Square will be developed to the highest international sustainability standard by achieving LEED Platinum accreditation as well as achieving a ‘Nearly Zero Energy Building’ (nZEB) rating and WiredScore. LEED certified buildings have the highest energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people to work and live. They are a critical part of addressing climate change and meeting ESG goals, enhancing resilience and supporting more equitable communities.

The wider Opera Square development is a 3.7-acre landmark commercial development that will be significant for both the region and national context, reflecting Limerick’s status as a leading city in sustainability and innovation. It will encourage additional people to work in the city of Limerick, boosting its status as a vibrant place to work and delivering significant economic benefits.

Pictured above: Nick Ashmore, Director of Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), David Conway, CEO of Limerick Twenty Thirty (LTT), Steven McGee, COO, Ireland, Sisk, Pat Daly, Chief Executive, Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) and Opera soloist, Gina Oberoi