The new Library/Learning Centre at MIC Limerick has taken a key step forward with the appointment of two eminent firms to lead the architecture, design and project and cost management elements of the development.
Scott Tallon Walker Architects and AECOM Ireland Ltd. will work on the new, 5,000 square metre Library/Learning Centre —a cutting edge, 21st century facility for teaching, learning and research—which will be situated at the heart of the Limerick campus. It will provide the latest in facilities for students and staff and the growing academic requirements of a student population at MIC now in excess of 5,000 students overall.
Michael Keane, Vice-President Administration & Finance, MIC said the College has “marked a significant milestone with its new Library/Learning Centre project, with the appointments of Scott Tallon Walker as Architects and Design Team Lead, and the appointment of AECOM as the Project Managers and Project Control Team Lead”.
“Scott Tallon Walker’s huge experience in building design of this nature, and also in the higher education sector, has been very evident to date and remains a source of reassurance to the College in taking on this large capital project. The College has been very impressed by the vision of lead architect, St John Handley, and his engagement with all aspects of the project. AECOM’s project management division has a global reach and, as one of Ireland’s leading building and infrastructure consultancies, this provides a level of confidence that this team’s expertise and management will ensure that the new MIC Library/Learning Centre project will be delivered to the highest possible standards. Both Scott Tallon Walker and AECOM continue to place a strong emphasis on climate change resilience and sustainability considerations following their tender submissions, and these align with MIC’s objectives in this area.
“The new MIC Library/Learning Centre seeks to address the extensive needs of our growing student body, our research-orientated faculty body and the needs of others including local stakeholders, our environment and the evolving nature of academic learning and delivery. MIC is delighted to welcome Scott Tallon Walker and AECOM onto campus and into their respective roles for this important strategic development.”
St John Handley, Director at Scott Tallon Walker, commented: “Scott Tallon Walker Architects are delighted to be appointed by MIC as Architects and Design Team Lead for their new library development. The c. 5000sqm library will deliver a state-of-the-art educational hub, featuring a special collections library and reading room, an early education resource space and student maker space, alongside hyflex teaching facilities, group study areas, and advanced media study suites. The project will be complemented by a new public plaza and landscaped surroundings, seamlessly integrating with MIC’s campus masterplan and supporting the needs of its expanding student community. The design for the new development will sensitively respond to the existing historic and natural features of the site, while prioritising sustainability and inclusivity both in the building fabric and the surrounding landscaping.”
Stuart Griffin, Director, Project Management, Ireland at AECOM added: “AECOM is delighted to be supporting our client Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in the development of its new Library/Learning Centre that will provide the latest in facilities for students and staff and the growing academic requirements of the student population at MIC. We are providing services including project management, employer’s representative and cost management, and fulfilling the role of assigned certifier. The design for the new library will be constructed to operate in the most environmentally sustainable manner contributing to a greener campus and aligning with MIC’s commitments on Climate Change and Sustainability.”
The project will proceed through detailed design stages during 2025 towards a target of completion by mid-2027 and is supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).It is hoped that construction of the library will commence in 2026 with a provisional opening date of Autumn 2027. Further details on the library development, including its timeline and key features, will be shared in the coming months.
