A €465,000 investment has been announced to refurbish William Vincent Wallace Plaza on Waterford’s city quays.

Waterford’s Minister of State for Local Government and Planning John Cummins confirmed the funding, which will support the transformation of the public space into a greener, more accessible and people-centred area for residents and visitors.

Commonly known as Millennium Plaza, the waterfront space opened in 2001 as part of Waterford’s Millennium Projects. It has served as a public gathering place, performance venue and viewing point overlooking the River Suir for the past 25 years.

The refurbishment will include upgrades to the plaza’s surfacing, canopy, lighting and other public realm features, while new planting, trees and enhanced green infrastructure will also be introduced as part of the redesign.

Minister John Cummins said the investment comes at a time when the city’s quays are undergoing significant change.

He said the plaza has been at the heart of Waterford for 25 years and described the funding as an opportunity to give existing infrastructure ‘a new lease of life’. He added that the revitalised space will complement the ongoing regeneration of the city centre.

Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jim Darcy welcomed the announcement, saying the refurbished plaza will create a more welcoming and accessible space for people to meet, relax and enjoy events along the waterfront.

He said the project will also complement other major regeneration projects, including the North Quays and Parade Quay developments.

Waterford City and County Council has appointed AIT Urbanism Landscape Architects as design consultants for the project.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the refurbishment due for completion in early 2027.