Landmark Trust to oversee ambitious heritage project for historic Tipperary building

An agreed compulsory purchase order has paved the way for the future use of the DW Parke’s chemist’s premises in Gladstone Street, Clonmel.

The CPO for the landmark building, which has been derelict for years, was agreed with the owners at the end of 2025.
The building, which dates from about 1840, is now in the possession of Tipperary County Council, and earlier this month, conservation funding of €32,176 for the building was approved by the Heritage Council.

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LANDMARK TRUST
It is understood that Tipperary County Council will be leasing the building to the Landmark Trust.

“The project is the subject of a request for further funding in order to begin the process of renovation in order to bring the building back into use for the purposes of heritage conservation and tourism,” said a spokesperson for the Town Regeneration and Placemaking Team.

The agreed CPO and the moves being made to conserve the building and utilise it for heritage and tourism have been widely welcomed.

The Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Pat English, said it was a very positive move for the town.
“I am delighted to see that the building that has been idle for so long is now in the ownership of the authority.
“The Landmark Trust has a great reputation for looking after historic buildings and making the best use out of them,” said Cllr English.

Cllr English said the prospect of transforming the chemist's premises into a museum was exciting for the town.
He also welcomed the fact that the Landmark Trust would be responsible for the future use of the two levels above the chemist’s shop.

Cllr English said that the progress being made on the future of the DW Parke’s building and the granting of planning permission to Camida for the development of a new restaurant in the former Methodist Church and union hall in Anglesea Street was very positive news for the town.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS
“These are two very important buildings in Clonmel. It is very important that these historic buildings are put to good use for future generations,” said the mayor.
Deputy Michael Murphy said the project would enhance Clonmel’s tourism appeal and safeguard a unique part of its history.
“This is a very positive development for Clonmel and a great example of how we can protect and repurpose our historic buildings for the benefit of the community,” said Deputy Murphy.

“Securing Parke’s Chemist ensures that an important part of the town’s heritage is preserved, while also creating a sustainable future for the property through its proposed use as high-quality self-catering accommodation in partnership with the Landmark Trust,” he added.

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Deputy Murphy was pleased to see that the Tipperary County Museum would have a role in the project.
“The arrangement, with Tipperary County Council leasing the building to the Landmark Trust, represents an innovative model for heritage-led regeneration.

I am also particularly pleased to see that the museum space on the ground floor will be developed as a collaborative project with the Tipperary County Museum, further enriching Clonmel’s cultural offering,” said the Fine Gael TD.