A planning application has been submitted to Westmeath County Council to establish a centre for international trade and commerce between China and the rest of the world, from a European base centred at Creggan and Bunahinly, southeast of Athlone Town, Co. Westmeath.  The proposal represents a very significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and jobs opportunity for the Midlands. 

Project Key Objectives
The key objectives of the proposal are to:

• Establish a centre for international trade and commerce between China, and the rest of the world from a European base located in Ireland;
• Provide demonstration space for Chinese manufacturers and traders to display their products to international buyers;
• Design and implement a flagship development which will attract FDI and jobs to the midlands region;
• Create a unique facility which fulfils its commercial purpose, while enriching the local community through provision of social infrastructure; and
• Foster continued cultural integration between Ireland and China.

The proposed development shall consist of:-

1. 4 storey Reception Building accommodating:- reception/registration area; customer service facilities; meeting rooms; administrative offices and ancillary services.
2. A multipurpose hall / exhibition venue known as the China Hall accommodating: - a multipurpose hall / exhibition venue with entrance foyer, cafe/bar, registration desk, office, cloakrooms, meeting rooms, kitchen, changing rooms, audio visual room and ancillary facilities.
3. 2 Mega Exhibition Halls providing two levels of flexible layout trading space for multiple showrooms/concessions, catering and service areas. The roof will comprise of grass/sedum with solar panels.
4. A translucent covered external promenade with travelators, c. 14m in height to link both Mega Halls and the Reception Hall.
5.  9 Independent Exhibition Halls,
6.  Main underground car park and transport hub located below the Independent Halls and Reception Hall providing 1370 no. car parking spaces, bus drop-off terminus, 18 no. bus bays, 137 no. motor bike spaces and 300 no. bicycle spaces.
7.  Wind turbine with an overall height of 70m from ground consisting of 44m hub height and blades of 52m in diameter.
8.  Energy and Waste Management Centre with a single storey Energy Centre building.
9.  Road improvement works.  A series of external spaces to include the Entrance Forecourt, Exhibition Square, Independent Hall Square, a Pedestrian Promenade, hard and soft landscaping including water features and fountains, new fences, gates and boundary treatments.
10. The demolition of 3 no. dwellings and a number of farm, storage and utility structures and buildings including removal of oil tanks, septic tanks and slurry pit.

This is a global economy strategic infrastructure facility and there are currently no similar facilities of such a scale in Ireland.

Presently, European and Eastern US based traders wishing to purchase Chinese goods must travel to China to view products and complete transactions. This results in significant international travel with associated visa requirements. The ECTH proposes to divert many of the international buyers to a centralised location (Ireland) with easy access from both Western Europe and Eastern USA. A business survey has confirmed that these are priority considerations for business operators within China. 

Links to further reading are provided in our Portfolio, Interesting Projects.