Convent Lands, Portlaoise

Introduction / Background

The redevelopment of the former Presentation Convent site in Portlaoise, County Laois, represents a significant regeneration project within the town centre. The site, located on Church Avenue in the historic Old Fort Quarter, includes several heritage buildings that had been largely unused for over two decades. The central convent building dates back to 1824 and forms part of a wider complex that historically included the Sacred Heart National School and associated religious structures. Over time, these buildings fell into disuse following the departure of the Presentation Sisters and the amalgamation of local schools in 2017.  

To address both the dereliction of the site and the growing need for housing, a regeneration scheme was initiated by Sophia Housing Association in partnership with Laois County Council. The project transforms the historic convent lands into a vibrant residential community while preserving the architectural and cultural significance of the existing structures.  

The overall development comprises 52 residential units, including a mixture of apartments and townhouses, along with communal and ancillary facilities. The project involves the adaptive reuse and conservation of protected structures, including the original convent and former school building, as well as the construction of new residential blocks across the site. In addition to housing, the scheme incorporates public realm improvements such as landscaped green spaces, pedestrian connections, and a public park, enhancing accessibility and integration with the surrounding town centre.  

This project forms part of a wider initiative to regenerate underutilised urban sites and encourage town-centre living. By combining heritage conservation with modern residential development, the Portlaoise Convent project aims to revitalise an important historic landmark while providing much-needed social housing for the local community.  

Brief

The Portlaoise Convent Project delivered the restoration, conservation and adaptive reuse of the historic convent buildings into high-quality residential homes, alongside the construction of new-build apartments within the grounds.

The development combined modern construction with the sensitive preservation of heritage structures, including the Old School Block and the Old Convent. The works incorporated a diverse range of disciplines, including conservation, new-build residential construction, civil engineering, extensive groundwork, and significant public realm enhancements.

The project successfully balanced architectural heritage with contemporary living, revitalising a landmark site while creating a vibrant new residential community.

Key Features & Challenges

The most significant challenge within the project was the restoration of Block A – the Old Convent Building. When Bretland Construction took possession of the site, the structure was in a severely deteriorated condition. The round tower roof was in fragile position and was temporarily sealed, while a major leak above the main stairwell had caused extensive structural damage. The fourth and fifth stair flights were badly compromised, and flights one to three had completely disintegrated, with access provided only via a scaffold tower erected through the centre of the building.

The scale and complexity of works required careful sequencing and technical expertise. Extensive structural interventions and additions were necessary, yet these had to be balanced with the retention and protection of historically significant elements, including original terrazzo floors, tiled finishes, doors, and reclaimed flooring. Respecting and preserving these conservation-sensitive features while delivering modern residential functionality was a central challenge.

During façade restoration works, an historic arrow slit was uncovered within the tower’s gable wall — a remnant of the building’s original defensive function. In addition, a 200+ year-old well was discovered beneath the subfloor of a gable-end room. Both discoveries required immediate collaboration with the project archaeologist and conservation architect, followed by careful recording, controlled exposure, and sensitive restoration.

One of the most technically demanding aspects of the project was the restoration of the original king post roof trusses in Block A. Years of weather ingress had caused significant deterioration. The trusses were painstakingly repaired and reinforced using additional timber, steel plates, and threaded bolts to structurally tie the elements together. This process required substantial internal scaffolding from subfloor to attic level, making it both logistically complex and highly rewarding upon completion.

Given the age and protected status of the structure, significant health and safety considerations also arose. Asbestos was identified and safely removed under controlled conditions. The town centre location added further complexity due to public interface and proximity to neighbouring properties. Working at height and within confined conservation spaces required meticulous planning, supervision, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Despite the challenges, the successful revitalisation of the Old Convent stands as a testament to careful craftsmanship, technical expertise, and a deep respect for heritage conservation.

Sustainability

Sustainability was at the core of the restoration of Block A – the Old Convent Building. Rather than demolition and rebuild, the project focused on the retention, repair, and adaptive reuse of the existing historic structure, significantly reducing embodied carbon and material waste while preserving an important piece of architectural heritage.

A key sustainable principle was the maximum retention and reuse of original fabric. Existing terrazzo floors, historic tiled finishes, original doors, and salvageable timber flooring were carefully protected, restored, and reinstated wherever possible. Structural upgrades were designed to work in harmony with the existing building, ensuring modern residential performance standards were achieved without unnecessary replacement of historic materials.

The restoration of the original king post trusses exemplified this approach. Despite significant weather damage due to long-term roof leaks, the trusses were repaired and reinforced using additional timber, steel plates, and threaded bolts rather than replaced. This retained the building’s historic character while avoiding the environmental cost of full structural replacement.

During works, previously hidden heritage features — including an original arrow slit within the tower wall and a 200-year-old well beneath a gable-end room — were uncovered. In collaboration with the project archaeologist and conservation architect, these elements were carefully recorded, preserved, and integrated into the restoration strategy, ensuring the building’s historical narrative was safeguarded as part of its sustainable reuse.

Environmental and social sustainability were further supported through responsible site management. Asbestos was identified early and removed under strict controlled conditions, ensuring safe handling of hazardous materials. The town centre location required careful coordination to protect the public realm and neighbouring properties, reinforcing the project’s commitment to community-conscious construction practices.

By prioritising conservation, material reuse, structural repair over replacement, and the adaptive reuse of a protected structure, the project demonstrates how heritage-led regeneration can deliver long-term environmental, cultural, and social sustainability.

Project Team

John O’Connell – Construction Director

Ross Connor – Senior Quantity Surveyor

Gary Connolly – Site Manager

Denis Tracey – Junior Project Manager

James Daly – Junior Quantity Surveyor

Amber McGuire – Senior Health & Safety Officer

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