Plans for a 380 million euro private development in Waterford City were unveiled on Monday last to build a 'mixed use' development on a 13 acre site in Bilberry beside the River Suir which developers say will create 400 jobs during construction.

A spokesperson for the proposed developers, Bolster Group, headed by William Bolster, have stated that a planning application is to be lodged with Waterford City Council 'shortly' and that the project is set for a provisional completion date of 2014 with a similar number of the 400 jobs being created with the finished product.

The development has been given the name of 'Water Haven' and it is proposed to be built on the site of the former Iron Foundry to replace this with a 32-storey building with 22 floors of apartments and ten floors of offices.

A scale model of the proposed 'mixed use' development was shown to the media and interested parties at Maritana Gate yesterday (Tuesday) and is on public display until Saturday.

For further details visit: www.bolstergroup.com

The proposed development is also to include a 15-storey hotel with over 150 bedrooms with parking, restaurants and a conference centre to take a maximum of 500 people.

William Bolster, who is also involved with the Garrarus development in Tramore which has attracted opposition with local residents said in a statement to the media: "The taller iconic buildings are also a bold statement about Waterford's ambitions and confidence as gateway to the southeast while it is a plus of our scheme that it will bring a disused former industrial site in to appropriate 21st Century life. This will help enhance Waterford's appeal as a genuine riverside city and meets the sustainability objectives of strengthening the city's core and making the best use of available lands".

Bolster also added: "We are also very pleased with the mix of residential, office, leisure and hotel accommodation that our plans provide for as they take advantage of the great riverside location and the site's proximity to the city centre which is within comfortable walking distance".

A spokesperson for the developers said that the 32 storey building will feature a 'sky view' which will offer 'unprecedented' views of Waterford City and County as well as Kilkenny.

The spokesperson added: "An extension of the Waterford & Suir Valley Railway to allow the train run to the site of the former Waterford South railway station at Bilberry is also being facilitated by the design team which is led by Waterford-based CJ Falconer & Associates, Chartered Architects & Planning Consultants. The railway works will also leave open the possibility of light rail ultimately running along Waterford's south quays".

The development is said to have been designed to have a 'wide mix of occupancy' among the proposed 395 apartments with some being tailored for families, couples, apartments sharing and single living.

One of the more striking aspects of the developments is said to be a state of the art leisure and fitness centre with a gym, spa and swimming pool and a marina to contain 80 berths.

For further details visit: www.bolstergroup.com