Prominent Mayo building set for dramatic new €7m. lease of life
A BUILDING in Ballina town centre that has been vacant for 20 years looks set for a dramatic new lease of life in a proposed €7 million development.
Plans to turn the former garda barracks at Walsh Street into an arts and cultural centre were presented to local public representatives at a special meeting of Ballina Municipal District today.
The proposal includes the removal of ad hoc extensions and sheds and the refurbishment and extension of the existing building – a protected structure – into five 'artists in residence' facilities, flexible/multi-purpose space, workshop spaces, ancillary spaces and an external courtyard space.
The head of Ballina MD, Declan Turnbull, explained that the building was closed in 2005 and sat idle for a long time before the council purchased it in the last number of years.
A number of proposals were considered before the decision was made to turn it into an arts and cultural centre.
An initial fund of €200,000 from the THRIVE scheme was secured and Castlebar-based architects Taylor McCarney won the design tender, working with Ballina MD architect Emmet O'Donnell to finalise the plans.
Mr. Turnbull added that the proposal was advertised under the Part 8 planning process and while no formal submissions were received, there was very positive feedback verbally.
“The building will be brought back into use in a vibrant way after being derelict for 20 years,” continued Mr. Turnbull, who pointed out that the maximum they can apply for under THRIVE is €7 million and the project has been tailored with that figure in mind.
“It's quite a substantial investment.”
The Ballina MD architect, Mr. O'Donnell, informed councillors that the potential exists to link the new development directly with the nearby Mary Robinson Centre.
Welcoming that news, Councillor Michael Loftus, cathaoirleach of Ballina MD, said it would allow for synergy between three prominent facilities – the Jackie Clarke Collection, the new arts and cultural centre, and the Mary Robinson Centre.
Mr. O'Donnell also outlined that the development includes 'quite a lot of space' for community groups, and explained that different models are being looked at to make it available for them. There has been engagement with some community groups already in that regard, and they will be looking to engage further with community groups to see how it might take shape.
Director of services Catherine McConnell explained that the main anchor, Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts (RHA), and Ballina Arts Centre – both of whom were the primary drivers of the business case for the development – will be responsible for the day to day running of the facility, while Mayo County Council will continue to own the premises.
Councillor Annie May Reape said it would be foolish not to propose the development, while Councillor Marie Therese Duffy said she would second what looks like an 'amazing' project.
Councillor Loftus, meanwhile, recalled that the concept for the building came originally from Pearse Farrell of the Ice House Hotel, who was looking to do something with the RHA. Councillor Reape requested regards to be passed on to Mr. Farrell from the meeting.
Ms. McConnell, who complimented Mr. O'Donnell and his predecessor for the work on the proposal to date, asked councillors to 'go and light a candle' now in the hope that an application for funding would be successful.
The THRIVE fund is administered locally by the Northern & Western Regional Authority