An Ecosystem for Bio-economy Innovation

Given its special agri and coastal profile, the site is ideally placed to harness the bioeconomy as a central source of new jobs in rural and coastal areas focused on the growth of new markets.

This area is known to have a rich rural culture and heritage that has been preserved, in part, through the distinct Ulster dialect of the region.

In the late 1960s thirty-six full-time staff with an additional twenty-six seasonal workers grew tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, and lettuce under 8 acres of oil-heated glasshouses supplying the Dublin markets.

When the price of oil sky-rocketed in the 1980’s, the enterprise was no longer profitable, and the glasshouses were abandoned. All but one of the glasshouses were torn down.

Construction of the Polytunnels in the early 2000s. Since 2004 Cill Ulta is transforming the 13 acres into a social enterprise.

The masterplan structures consist of existing buildings that will be updated and new buildings that will create the overall bioeconomy environment.

The previous layout of the greenhouses, demolished, leaves a network of paths and a central road that begins to define a structure for the definition of arable land. The layout that adapts to the layout of the Earth breaks what would be a Cartesian grid, leaving space for nature.

The strategic use of natural boundaries is intended to provide clarity spatial demarcation of areas, support the regenerative agriculture on the site and provide space for nature. It is intended that these be implemented in alignment with a site management plan and in coordination with permaculture or regenerative agriculture specialists.

Pedestrian circulation through the site is primarily catered for by a gravel loop path which connects all areas and a series of concrete paths which are remnants from the site's previous use as an intensive greenhouse facility. These paths facilitate the moment of farmers, researchers and visitors.

The road infrastructure is defined as four distinct zones.

It is expected that the site will have a below typical need for parking due to the nature of its function and the intention to encourage active travel and provide alternative modes of transport to cars. With this in mind, it is expected that the number of car parking spots will reduce in the future and parts of this area will be planted.

This is the space between the sheds and the hub. This area acts as a plaza within the site being a place for social congregation. In the instance that the hub is two stories high, this area will have increased capacity and can act as a multi-functional space where events can happen.

Support facilities are distributed throughout the site. These provide a variety of functions including social, mobility, and habitat. Their placement is intended to activate and utilize the potential of the whole site.

There are two reservoirs on-site that serviced the former greenhouse development and have since fallen out of use, become overgrown and fallen into disrepair. With increased demand on the site as it is currently, the future increase as proposed and the changing climate which will result in longer dry spells and periodic drought conditions, the reservoirs will be again needed.