Mallow Town Hall set for regeneration
A vacant and derelict building in Mallow town is set for a new lease of life.
Mallow Town Hall is to be converted into a 200 seat theatre and multi-use arts centre.
Located on Main Street, the current building will be refurbished, and a new link section will replace part of the existing building and an extension will be built to the west and south to provide the necessary accessibility and fire safety requirements.
Cork County Council are set to benefit from funding of up to €7 million under THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, awarded under the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
Significant citizen and stakeholder engagement has been undertaken over the years to examine the feasibility for the building and create a design that would enhance the Main Street, provide a valuable recreational resource to Mallow and restore its significance as a vital community asset in keeping with the Town Centre First approach.
The design is said to be community led and proposes the delivery of a shared cultural infrastructure that is sustainable, socially inclusive and beautiful.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “A significant €32m is being allocated across the five urban centres so that publicly owned vacant and derelict heritage buildings can be restored and renovated. Having visited many of these towns and seen the buildings earmarked for rejuvenation, I can safely say this funding will make a massive difference. I want to commend the communities and indeed every tier of government involved, from a European, Regional and Local level, in bringing these projects to fruition.”
He added: “The THRIVE fund is empowering communities to shape the future of their urban centres by identifying opportunities which will help ensure their long-term vitality. I very much look forward to seeing the substantial regeneration which will arise out of this funding and which will strengthen the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of towns throughout Ireland.”
Enda Hogan, Assistant Director of the Southern Regional Assembly, said: “The design ensures accessibility, inclusivity, universal design principles and that the building will be beautiful while retaining the original character and aligning with the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus. The Mallow Town Hall Theatre regeneration will be a magnificent example of heritage-driven town restoration that attracts residents and visitors to spend more time in Mallow town.”
David Kelly, Director of the Southern Regional Assembly, said: “This significant Government and ERDF investment, through the Regional Programme will have a transformative effect by breathing new life into this historic building and will enhance the social and cultural vibrancy of Mallow town.
“The project will act as a significant catalyst for revitalising Mallow town centre and provide visible benefits of the support provided by the EU for our region and people”.
THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.