Glassworks Waterford “Building One” Opens as Major Step in Landmark Development for the Region

The first building at the Glassworks Waterford development has been opened today by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, marking a key milestone in the transformation of the former Waterford Crystal site on the Cork Road.

“Building One” forms the initial phase of the new Glassworks campus, a flagship regeneration project that is reshaping one of Waterford’s most historic industrial locations.

A Landmark Development for Waterford

With an investment of €43 million, the 80,000 square foot building has been delivered by Frisby Construction Limited and is designed to accommodate up to 800 employees.

The opening represents a significant moment for the site, coming almost 20 years after the closure of the original Waterford Crystal manufacturing plant.

The broader Glassworks campus extends across 37 acres and is strategically located adjacent to South East Technological University (SETU), linking directly with its academic and research infrastructure.

Once fully developed, the campus is expected to support up to 6,000 jobs.

Driving Innovation, Research and Employment

The Glassworks concept centres on the co-location of enterprise and higher education, creating an environment where businesses and SETU can work in close partnership.

This integrated approach is intended to support the development of high-value jobs, strengthen research collaboration, and enhance innovation capacity across Waterford and the wider South East.

Strong Early Demand

There is already significant interest in the development, with more than half of Building One expected to be occupied by next month.

The project has been delivered through a joint venture between the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and Waterford-based developer Frisby.

Healthcare provider Veonet Ireland has confirmed it will establish a day-unit within the building, located in the former Waterford Crystal showroom space.

A First for Ireland

The Glassworks campus represents the first development of its kind in Ireland, bringing enterprise and higher education together in a single, integrated location.

It is expected to play an important role in the continued economic development of Waterford, supporting innovation, attracting investment, and reinforcing the region’s position as a centre for enterprise growth.

The completion of Building One marks the beginning of what is anticipated to become one of the most significant regeneration projects in the South East.