Irish business Midland Hardware & Homeware Topline is redeveloping a historic former hotel in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, transforming the protected structure into a combined retail, residential and hospitality-led mixed-use scheme.

Laois Live reported that the development centres on the restoration of the former De Vesci Arms Hotel, a building dating back to the 1780s that has been derelict since the early 2000s.

The project integrates a newly constructed 10,000 sq ft retail unit with the restored heritage structure, combining modern building methods with conservation-led architectural refurbishment.

The redevelopment will include a hardware store, garden centre and café or restaurant, alongside four apartments and a townhouse within the original building fabric.

The scheme required planning approval and a multi-year development process, with construction works progressing following acquisition of the site in 2022 and subsequent on-site works commencing in 2025.

David Ryan, representing the business, said: “We have integrated the new shop with the old building, and we have four apartments and a town house going into the old building, along with a café/restaurant.”

He added that the project aims to retain the architectural character of the protected structure while delivering modern commercial and residential functionality.

The redevelopment is expected to create up to 18 jobs and provide improved retail infrastructure for the local area, including expanded parking and enhanced site accessibility.

From a building and architecture perspective, the project highlights continued demand for adaptive reuse of heritage assets, combining conservation requirements with contemporary retail-led regeneration and mixed-use urban planning.

Explore the details on the Abbeyleix redevelopment project, including heritage restoration details, mixed-use design approach and the integration of retail and residential space within a protected historic building.