Connolly Barracks Reimagined
Connolly Barracks Reimagined: A Stronghold (An Longfort) Reimagined for Communities to THRIVE
Connolly Barracks Reimagined represents a heritage-led adaptive reuse project transforming the former Officers’ Mess at Sean Connolly Barracks into a cultural, educational and civic hub with strong social integration, sustainability and placemaking outcomes.
Ireland
Connolly Barracks
Bridge Street
Longford
N39 EA43
Bridge Street
Longford
N39 EA43
Prototype level
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
ERDF : European Regional Development Fund
Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE), Strand 2 – Call 2 (2025), co‑funded under the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027.
No
13130402: Longford (IE)
Connolly Barracks Reimagined will transform a vacant protected structure into a vibrant cultural, educational and community hub in the heart of Longford Town. The project adapts the former Barracks into a 1,500m² multifunctional facility incorporating a county museum, music and heritage interpretation, a community café, makerspace, training rooms and flexible event spaces. This mix responds to long identified needs for cultural amenities, social space, creative infrastructure and opportunities for learning, participation and connection.
The initiative will serve a wide and diverse group of users; residents, young people, artists, migrant communities, community organisations, schools, lifelong learners and visitors seeking cultural and heritage experiences. It strengthens Longford’s educational and cultural offer by linking with regional learning networks, stimulates economic regeneration and establishes strong governance for long term community stewardship.
Core objectives include restoring a strategic derelict heritage asset, supporting social cohesion in one of Ireland’s most diverse towns, providing inclusive and accessible cultural and educational opportunities, anchoring community life and regenerating the Camlin Quarter and wider town centre. By activating a landmark building, the project promotes compact growth, advances sustainability goals and reinforces Longford’s identity.
Expected outcomes include increased town centre activity, strengthened community pride and social integration, improved access to culture, creativity and lifelong learning, enhanced tourism and economic vibrancy, and a sustainable civic space driving long term regeneration and wellbeing.
The project builds on over 15 years of public engagement, and its LEDCo style governance model keeps the community central to decision making and long term management. This collaborative approach delivers a community shaped, inclusive and sustainable regeneration aligned with NEB values.
The initiative will serve a wide and diverse group of users; residents, young people, artists, migrant communities, community organisations, schools, lifelong learners and visitors seeking cultural and heritage experiences. It strengthens Longford’s educational and cultural offer by linking with regional learning networks, stimulates economic regeneration and establishes strong governance for long term community stewardship.
Core objectives include restoring a strategic derelict heritage asset, supporting social cohesion in one of Ireland’s most diverse towns, providing inclusive and accessible cultural and educational opportunities, anchoring community life and regenerating the Camlin Quarter and wider town centre. By activating a landmark building, the project promotes compact growth, advances sustainability goals and reinforces Longford’s identity.
Expected outcomes include increased town centre activity, strengthened community pride and social integration, improved access to culture, creativity and lifelong learning, enhanced tourism and economic vibrancy, and a sustainable civic space driving long term regeneration and wellbeing.
The project builds on over 15 years of public engagement, and its LEDCo style governance model keeps the community central to decision making and long term management. This collaborative approach delivers a community shaped, inclusive and sustainable regeneration aligned with NEB values.
Regeneration
Heritage & Conservation
Inclusion & Community
Culture
Sustainability
Connolly Barracks Reimagined places sustainability at its core, using heritage‑led regeneration as a climate‑responsible alternative to demolition and new construction. Its primary objective is to extend the life of a protected structure, preserving embodied carbon while transforming it into an efficient cultural and community building. Through adaptive reuse, the project minimises waste, reduces material demand and supports compact town‑centre growth, aligning with NEB sustainability KPIs that prioritise low‑carbon, resource‑efficient development.
There is a requirement for contractors to achieve at least 70% recovery of non‑hazardous construction and demolition waste by weight, demonstrate clear reuse and recycling strategies, and design for ease of material separation and deconstruction.
Energy performance is a major focus, with the design incorporating improved insulation, airtightness, natural lime‑based materials, high‑performance glazing, LED lighting and a low‑carbon heating system powered by air‑to‑water heat pumps. Renewable measures such as photovoltaic panels, a green roof and rainwater harvesting further reduce operational carbon and enhance climate resilience.
Circularity is strengthened through the reuse of non‑original materials, responsible sourcing, and the prioritisation of durable, low‑impact conservation materials. These choices reflect KPI expectations around long‑life, repairable, and resource‑conscious design. Nature‑based solutions include permeable surfaces, biodiversity planting, and pollinator‑friendly landscaping.
The project also embeds long‑term social sustainability. The building will offer inclusive, universally accessible spaces that promote cultural participation, learning and wellbeing while supporting local enterprise and activity in the Camlin Quarter. Governance training and operational capacity‑building ensure that management can manage the site sustainably.
There is a requirement for contractors to achieve at least 70% recovery of non‑hazardous construction and demolition waste by weight, demonstrate clear reuse and recycling strategies, and design for ease of material separation and deconstruction.
Energy performance is a major focus, with the design incorporating improved insulation, airtightness, natural lime‑based materials, high‑performance glazing, LED lighting and a low‑carbon heating system powered by air‑to‑water heat pumps. Renewable measures such as photovoltaic panels, a green roof and rainwater harvesting further reduce operational carbon and enhance climate resilience.
Circularity is strengthened through the reuse of non‑original materials, responsible sourcing, and the prioritisation of durable, low‑impact conservation materials. These choices reflect KPI expectations around long‑life, repairable, and resource‑conscious design. Nature‑based solutions include permeable surfaces, biodiversity planting, and pollinator‑friendly landscaping.
The project also embeds long‑term social sustainability. The building will offer inclusive, universally accessible spaces that promote cultural participation, learning and wellbeing while supporting local enterprise and activity in the Camlin Quarter. Governance training and operational capacity‑building ensure that management can manage the site sustainably.
Connolly Barracks Reimagined places aesthetics and people’s experience at the heart of its design vision, blending heritage character with contemporary sensitivity to create a building that feels authentic, welcoming and inspiring. The restoration respects the historic proportions of the 19th‑century Officers’ Mess, reinstating its architectural clarity and conserving original materials while introducing modern elements that enhance usability, beauty and atmosphere. Improved natural lighting, carefully selected finishes and the retention of key heritage details give the building a distinctive sense of place rooted in Longford’s identity.
Inside, the project delivers a high‑quality experience through thoughtful spatial layout, accessible circulation and a careful balance of quiet, reflective rooms and active, creative spaces. Feature lighting, acoustic comfort and clear, intuitive wayfinding ensure a calm and enjoyable environment for all visitors, including neurodiverse users. The building’s new functions, heritage and music museum, makerspace, recording studio, café, event hall and learning spaces, all create a rich cultural offering with opportunities for discovery, creativity and connection.
What makes the initiative exemplary is its ability to merge heritage beauty with contemporary cultural purpose. Rather than imposing a new identity, the project elevates the existing one, honouring the past while creating a sensory‑rich, inclusive and vibrant environment for everyday use in a modern community.
Having stood vacant since 2009 and originally serving as a defensive military settlement, the project marks a major cultural shift toward openness and inclusion. The new heritage and music museum—the first in the county—will foster cultural pride by celebrating Longford’s stories and creative identity, reimagining a once restricted landmark as a vibrant civic asset that supports wellbeing, nurtures creativity and strengthens the county’s cultural landscape.
Inside, the project delivers a high‑quality experience through thoughtful spatial layout, accessible circulation and a careful balance of quiet, reflective rooms and active, creative spaces. Feature lighting, acoustic comfort and clear, intuitive wayfinding ensure a calm and enjoyable environment for all visitors, including neurodiverse users. The building’s new functions, heritage and music museum, makerspace, recording studio, café, event hall and learning spaces, all create a rich cultural offering with opportunities for discovery, creativity and connection.
What makes the initiative exemplary is its ability to merge heritage beauty with contemporary cultural purpose. Rather than imposing a new identity, the project elevates the existing one, honouring the past while creating a sensory‑rich, inclusive and vibrant environment for everyday use in a modern community.
Having stood vacant since 2009 and originally serving as a defensive military settlement, the project marks a major cultural shift toward openness and inclusion. The new heritage and music museum—the first in the county—will foster cultural pride by celebrating Longford’s stories and creative identity, reimagining a once restricted landmark as a vibrant civic asset that supports wellbeing, nurtures creativity and strengthens the county’s cultural landscape.
Inclusion is a core objective of the Connolly Barracks Reimagined project, shaping the design, operation and long‑term purpose of the building. The project aims to create a civic space that is universally accessible, socially welcoming and reflective of the diverse communities of Longford. Every aspect of the redevelopment is grounded in “design for all” principles to ensure that people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and incomes can fully participate in the cultural, educational and social life of the building.
The design incorporates step‑free access throughout, lift access to all floors, accessible WCs, clear signage, tactile and high‑contrast wayfinding, braille, autism‑friendly lighting, quiet spaces and sensory‑aware design features. These measures promote independence and comfort for users with physical, sensory, cognitive or situational disabilities, ensuring the building is barrier‑free and intuitive to navigate.
Affordability and equitable access are embedded in the operational model. Community pricing, reduced rates for local groups, and low‑cost or free cultural events ensure that economic circumstances are not a barrier to participation. The varied functions of the building, such as the museum, café, makerspace, recording studio, meeting rooms, and flexible community halls, provide entry points for diverse groups including young people, migrant communities, creative practitioners, older residents and families.
The initiative also promotes inclusion through its governance and engagement approach. Ongoing community participation, strong cross‑sector collaboration and a commitment to shared use ensure that the building evolves with community needs and remains open to all. This creates a new model of civic space where residents, cultural organisations, educators and public services interact in a shared environment.
By embedding inclusion throughout, the project demonstrates how heritage buildings can become inclusive civic spaces.
The design incorporates step‑free access throughout, lift access to all floors, accessible WCs, clear signage, tactile and high‑contrast wayfinding, braille, autism‑friendly lighting, quiet spaces and sensory‑aware design features. These measures promote independence and comfort for users with physical, sensory, cognitive or situational disabilities, ensuring the building is barrier‑free and intuitive to navigate.
Affordability and equitable access are embedded in the operational model. Community pricing, reduced rates for local groups, and low‑cost or free cultural events ensure that economic circumstances are not a barrier to participation. The varied functions of the building, such as the museum, café, makerspace, recording studio, meeting rooms, and flexible community halls, provide entry points for diverse groups including young people, migrant communities, creative practitioners, older residents and families.
The initiative also promotes inclusion through its governance and engagement approach. Ongoing community participation, strong cross‑sector collaboration and a commitment to shared use ensure that the building evolves with community needs and remains open to all. This creates a new model of civic space where residents, cultural organisations, educators and public services interact in a shared environment.
By embedding inclusion throughout, the project demonstrates how heritage buildings can become inclusive civic spaces.
Citizens and civil society have been actively involved throughout the Connolly Barracks Reimagined project, shaping both the design and future operation of the project. Engagement has taken place through public submissions, community workshops, stakeholder meetings, and targeted outreach. Language interpreters supported translation needs during consultations.
Local residents contributed directly through written submissions raising town‑centre access concerns, community‑space needs and questions about future public services. These inputs reinforced the need for accessible, centrally located facilities and informed adjustments to the internal layout.
Civil society organisations, including arts groups, heritage groups, volunteer organisations, and community service providers participated in structured engagement meetings. Groups provided detailed feedback on space requirements, storage needs, accessibility, exhibition layouts and operational concerns. This feedback resulted in practical design changes, such as refining makerspace layouts and confirming museum display needs.
The most recent public engagement evening attracted participation from organisations such as Longford Community Resources CLG, ensuring inclusion of social‑inclusion perspectives. Ongoing communications efforts through the Public Participation Network ensure that all groups, including marginalised communities are encouraged to participate.
A feedback form remains open to the public throughout the process.
Community involvement is built directly into the Connolly Barracks capacity‑building programme, ensuring that local voices and lived experience inform how the new campus will operate and evolve. The plan includes participation of community representatives in national and international site visits, NEB‑focused workshops, co‑design training, and benchmarking activities, allowing residents and civil society partners to contribute to decision‑making and programme development.
Local residents contributed directly through written submissions raising town‑centre access concerns, community‑space needs and questions about future public services. These inputs reinforced the need for accessible, centrally located facilities and informed adjustments to the internal layout.
Civil society organisations, including arts groups, heritage groups, volunteer organisations, and community service providers participated in structured engagement meetings. Groups provided detailed feedback on space requirements, storage needs, accessibility, exhibition layouts and operational concerns. This feedback resulted in practical design changes, such as refining makerspace layouts and confirming museum display needs.
The most recent public engagement evening attracted participation from organisations such as Longford Community Resources CLG, ensuring inclusion of social‑inclusion perspectives. Ongoing communications efforts through the Public Participation Network ensure that all groups, including marginalised communities are encouraged to participate.
A feedback form remains open to the public throughout the process.
Community involvement is built directly into the Connolly Barracks capacity‑building programme, ensuring that local voices and lived experience inform how the new campus will operate and evolve. The plan includes participation of community representatives in national and international site visits, NEB‑focused workshops, co‑design training, and benchmarking activities, allowing residents and civil society partners to contribute to decision‑making and programme development.
Connolly Barracks Reimagined is built on a multi‑level, multi‑actor engagement model that brings together local communities, regional partners, national bodies and European stakeholders. Each level has played a distinct role in shaping the design, direction and delivery of the project, ensuring that the initiative is rooted in local needs while aligned with broader strategic objectives.
Local stakeholders have been central from the outset. Residents, community groups, arts organisations, youth representatives, businesses and heritage advocates participated through consultations, workshops, surveys, and public exhibitions. Their insights directly influenced design decisions, room uses and project priorities. Local Authority departments, including Planning, Regeneration, Heritage, Climate Action, Archives and Tourism have collaborated closely, providing technical expertise, statutory guidance and operational leadership. The project also involves local civil society representatives through the Town Team and community networks, ensuring continuous feedback and shared ownership.
At the regional level, the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board contributes to shaping the cultural‑education offering of the building and its integration with regional learning pathways. The Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly provides strategic alignment with regional development goals, oversees compliance under the ERDF programme, and supports monitoring and governance structures.
National bodies, including Government departments and agencies, influence policy alignment, heritage standards, climate objectives and funding compliance. Their involvement ensures that the project supports national priorities in heritage conservation, town centre revitalisation, cultural development and social inclusion.
At the European level, the initiative is supported through ERDF funding under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, which embeds New European Bauhaus values
Local stakeholders have been central from the outset. Residents, community groups, arts organisations, youth representatives, businesses and heritage advocates participated through consultations, workshops, surveys, and public exhibitions. Their insights directly influenced design decisions, room uses and project priorities. Local Authority departments, including Planning, Regeneration, Heritage, Climate Action, Archives and Tourism have collaborated closely, providing technical expertise, statutory guidance and operational leadership. The project also involves local civil society representatives through the Town Team and community networks, ensuring continuous feedback and shared ownership.
At the regional level, the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board contributes to shaping the cultural‑education offering of the building and its integration with regional learning pathways. The Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly provides strategic alignment with regional development goals, oversees compliance under the ERDF programme, and supports monitoring and governance structures.
National bodies, including Government departments and agencies, influence policy alignment, heritage standards, climate objectives and funding compliance. Their involvement ensures that the project supports national priorities in heritage conservation, town centre revitalisation, cultural development and social inclusion.
At the European level, the initiative is supported through ERDF funding under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, which embeds New European Bauhaus values
The Connolly Barracks Reimagined initiative brings together a defined set of disciplines essential to restoring a protected structure and transforming it into a cultural and community hub. The project integrates architecture, conservation, heritage assessment, engineering, planning, regeneration, climate and environmental analysis, accessibility/universal design, community engagement, and cultural development.
Architects and conservation specialists lead the restoration and adaptive reuse of the 19th‑century Officers’ Mess, working with heritage experts to determine appropriate interventions and protect significant fabric. Engineers contribute structural, mechanical and electrical expertise to integrate new building services, heating systems, energy upgrades and safety improvements within a historic setting. Planning and regeneration teams guide policy alignment, town‑centre objectives and compliance processes, ensuring the project supports wider revitalisation goals.
Climate and environmental assessments inform design decisions on energy efficiency, climate resilience and minimising harm, while accessibility specialists embed universal design features into circulation, signage and layout. Community engagement staff ensure that citizen feedback—such as relocating the café, museum and makerspace—directly shapes the final design. Cultural development inputs help define uses that reflect community needs and Longford’s cultural identity.
These fields interact through structured design reviews, internal cross‑departmental coordination and iterative refinements under the THRIVE framework. The added value of this collaboration is a design that is technically robust, sensitive to heritage, aligned with climate objectives and meaningfully shaped by the community.
Architects and conservation specialists lead the restoration and adaptive reuse of the 19th‑century Officers’ Mess, working with heritage experts to determine appropriate interventions and protect significant fabric. Engineers contribute structural, mechanical and electrical expertise to integrate new building services, heating systems, energy upgrades and safety improvements within a historic setting. Planning and regeneration teams guide policy alignment, town‑centre objectives and compliance processes, ensuring the project supports wider revitalisation goals.
Climate and environmental assessments inform design decisions on energy efficiency, climate resilience and minimising harm, while accessibility specialists embed universal design features into circulation, signage and layout. Community engagement staff ensure that citizen feedback—such as relocating the café, museum and makerspace—directly shapes the final design. Cultural development inputs help define uses that reflect community needs and Longford’s cultural identity.
These fields interact through structured design reviews, internal cross‑departmental coordination and iterative refinements under the THRIVE framework. The added value of this collaboration is a design that is technically robust, sensitive to heritage, aligned with climate objectives and meaningfully shaped by the community.
Connolly Barracks Reimagined is innovative because it redefines how a heritage building can serve as a catalyst for cultural, social and economic transformation in a mid sized town context. Unlike typical regeneration projects that focus on single‑use functions or minimal interventions, this initiative combines heritage conservation, creative industry development, cultural programming, education, digital production and community services within one integrated civic campus.
The project introduces a hybrid cultural‑learning model, merging a music and history museum with a makerspace, podcast and recording studios, performance and event spaces, training rooms and a community café. This mix broadens access to creative tools, digital skills and cultural participation, resources typically concentrated in urban centres, making them locally accessible and affordable.
Design innovation is evident in the blending of conservation‑grade restoration with contemporary architecture, universal design, sensory‑aware interior environments, neurodiversity‑friendly features and inclusive wayfinding systems. These elements surpass standard accessibility requirements to create a genuinely “design for all” building that is intuitive, comfortable and welcoming.
The management is entrusted to LEDCo, a locally rooted organisation rather than a traditional top‑down management model. LEDCo will manage the museum, makerspace, studios and community spaces under a formal agreement with the Council, combining its practical experience with targeted capacity‑building in heritage care, sustainability and inclusive programming.
From a sustainability perspective, the project adopts a level of environmental ambition rarely achieved in heritage refurbishments, integrating renewable energy systems, energy‑efficient upgrades, circular material strategies and nature‑based drainage solutions while maintaining the historic character of the structure.
The project introduces a hybrid cultural‑learning model, merging a music and history museum with a makerspace, podcast and recording studios, performance and event spaces, training rooms and a community café. This mix broadens access to creative tools, digital skills and cultural participation, resources typically concentrated in urban centres, making them locally accessible and affordable.
Design innovation is evident in the blending of conservation‑grade restoration with contemporary architecture, universal design, sensory‑aware interior environments, neurodiversity‑friendly features and inclusive wayfinding systems. These elements surpass standard accessibility requirements to create a genuinely “design for all” building that is intuitive, comfortable and welcoming.
The management is entrusted to LEDCo, a locally rooted organisation rather than a traditional top‑down management model. LEDCo will manage the museum, makerspace, studios and community spaces under a formal agreement with the Council, combining its practical experience with targeted capacity‑building in heritage care, sustainability and inclusive programming.
From a sustainability perspective, the project adopts a level of environmental ambition rarely achieved in heritage refurbishments, integrating renewable energy systems, energy‑efficient upgrades, circular material strategies and nature‑based drainage solutions while maintaining the historic character of the structure.
Connolly Barracks Reimagined is delivered through a structured, evidence‑based and participatory methodology that integrates heritage conservation, community co‑creation and best‑practice project management. The approach begins with a strong analytical foundation, including baseline assessments, heritage impact studies, climate and sustainability evaluations, and a comprehensive Theory of Change to map actions, outputs and long‑term transformation goals.
A collaborative co‑design process guides every stage of planning and design. Extensive public engagement activities, Town Centre First consultations, workshops, stakeholder meetings and targeted outreach to under‑represented groups ensure that diverse voices directly influence the building’s functions, layout and atmosphere. Input from cultural organisations, education partners, creative practitioners and community safety bodies shapes the programme mix and future operational model.
Technically, the project follows a rigorous conservation‑led design approach that balances restoration with modern performance requirements. The methodology is underpinned by a multidisciplinary team of architects, conservation specialists, engineers, heritage experts, sustainability advisors and community facilitators working in coordinated stages. Detailed design integrates universal design principles, sensory‑aware environments, accessibility standards and sustainability KPIs to deliver a high‑quality, inclusive and energy‑efficient building.
Governance and delivery are structured through formal THRIVE processes, cross‑departmental collaboration and clear project controls. This includes defined responsibilities, capacity‑building activities, risk management, progress monitoring, and compliance with procurement, funding and ERDF requirements. The project also incorporates iterative refinement, using feedback from engagement events, design reviews and technical assessments to adjust and improve proposals.
A collaborative co‑design process guides every stage of planning and design. Extensive public engagement activities, Town Centre First consultations, workshops, stakeholder meetings and targeted outreach to under‑represented groups ensure that diverse voices directly influence the building’s functions, layout and atmosphere. Input from cultural organisations, education partners, creative practitioners and community safety bodies shapes the programme mix and future operational model.
Technically, the project follows a rigorous conservation‑led design approach that balances restoration with modern performance requirements. The methodology is underpinned by a multidisciplinary team of architects, conservation specialists, engineers, heritage experts, sustainability advisors and community facilitators working in coordinated stages. Detailed design integrates universal design principles, sensory‑aware environments, accessibility standards and sustainability KPIs to deliver a high‑quality, inclusive and energy‑efficient building.
Governance and delivery are structured through formal THRIVE processes, cross‑departmental collaboration and clear project controls. This includes defined responsibilities, capacity‑building activities, risk management, progress monitoring, and compliance with procurement, funding and ERDF requirements. The project also incorporates iterative refinement, using feedback from engagement events, design reviews and technical assessments to adjust and improve proposals.
1. Heritage‑led adaptive reuse model - The project demonstrates how a vacant protected structure can be transformed into a multifunctional cultural and community hub. Many towns have similar underused public buildings whose reuse could support local regeneration, cultural growth and civic pride.
2. Community‑driven design process - The participatory approach, using consultations, workshops, surveys and targeted outreach offers a transferable method for ensuring that new uses reflect real community needs. The way public feedback shaped layout decisions (such as relocating the café, museum and makerspace) is a clear model for co‑design.
3. Multi‑use community and cultural programming - Combining a variety of functions within one building provides a replicable template for towns seeking to consolidate cultural, creative and social functions under one roof.
4. Cross‑departmental governance structure -
The coordinated involvement of planning, heritage, regeneration, climate action, tourism and archives shows how local authorities can align internal expertise to deliver complex projects. This model is transferable to any multi‑stakeholder regeneration project.
5. Integration with education and skills partners - The collaboration with education bodies to shape learning, creative and digital spaces can be replicated by other regions aiming to link cultural infrastructure with skills development.
6. Climate‑aware design and assessment approach - The project’s use of climate‑proofing, sustainability measures, adaptive reuse, and compliance with environmental assessments offers a practical framework for integrating climate considerations into heritage projects.
7. THRIVE‑style structured delivery - The staged methodology, baseline studies, impact assessments, business case development, design stages, NEB prioritisation, and public engagement is directly transferable to other local authorities applying for major funding programmes.
2. Community‑driven design process - The participatory approach, using consultations, workshops, surveys and targeted outreach offers a transferable method for ensuring that new uses reflect real community needs. The way public feedback shaped layout decisions (such as relocating the café, museum and makerspace) is a clear model for co‑design.
3. Multi‑use community and cultural programming - Combining a variety of functions within one building provides a replicable template for towns seeking to consolidate cultural, creative and social functions under one roof.
4. Cross‑departmental governance structure -
The coordinated involvement of planning, heritage, regeneration, climate action, tourism and archives shows how local authorities can align internal expertise to deliver complex projects. This model is transferable to any multi‑stakeholder regeneration project.
5. Integration with education and skills partners - The collaboration with education bodies to shape learning, creative and digital spaces can be replicated by other regions aiming to link cultural infrastructure with skills development.
6. Climate‑aware design and assessment approach - The project’s use of climate‑proofing, sustainability measures, adaptive reuse, and compliance with environmental assessments offers a practical framework for integrating climate considerations into heritage projects.
7. THRIVE‑style structured delivery - The staged methodology, baseline studies, impact assessments, business case development, design stages, NEB prioritisation, and public engagement is directly transferable to other local authorities applying for major funding programmes.
Planned activities include the evaluation of tenders, securing contractor appointment, and the commencement of construction and conservation works. As implementation progresses, design decisions will continue to be refined through community feedback, cross‑departmental collaboration and engagement with heritage, planning, climate and accessibility specialists.
NEB values have been embedded throughout the project. Sustainability is advanced through the adaptive reuse of a protected building, the application of climate‑proofing assessments, the integration of energy‑efficient systems and the prioritisation of circularity in materials and design. Beauty is reflected in the sensitive conservation of the historic structure, upgraded lighting and acoustic environments, improved spatial experience, and the integration of cultural uses including the museum, makerspace and performance spaces. Inclusion has been implemented through universal design measures, sensory‑aware environments, and multilingual and tactile signage, alongside layout decisions informed directly by community input.
NEB working principles have guided the process from the outset. Extensive public consultations shaped room uses and internal configurations, while multi‑level engagement brought together community organisations, education partners, Gardaí, local authority teams and regional bodies. A transdisciplinary design and delivery team combining conservation, architecture, engineering, planning, accessibility and cultural development continues to steer the project.
The NEB KPIs were embedded at the tender stage, ensuring that the project’s future development is guided by measurable commitments to sustainability, beauty and inclusion rather than relying on general aspirations. As tenders are evaluated, and works begin, these NEB KPIs will continue to shape the future of the building, ensuring that conservation choices, upgrades, programming and operations stay aligned with NEB values.
NEB values have been embedded throughout the project. Sustainability is advanced through the adaptive reuse of a protected building, the application of climate‑proofing assessments, the integration of energy‑efficient systems and the prioritisation of circularity in materials and design. Beauty is reflected in the sensitive conservation of the historic structure, upgraded lighting and acoustic environments, improved spatial experience, and the integration of cultural uses including the museum, makerspace and performance spaces. Inclusion has been implemented through universal design measures, sensory‑aware environments, and multilingual and tactile signage, alongside layout decisions informed directly by community input.
NEB working principles have guided the process from the outset. Extensive public consultations shaped room uses and internal configurations, while multi‑level engagement brought together community organisations, education partners, Gardaí, local authority teams and regional bodies. A transdisciplinary design and delivery team combining conservation, architecture, engineering, planning, accessibility and cultural development continues to steer the project.
The NEB KPIs were embedded at the tender stage, ensuring that the project’s future development is guided by measurable commitments to sustainability, beauty and inclusion rather than relying on general aspirations. As tenders are evaluated, and works begin, these NEB KPIs will continue to shape the future of the building, ensuring that conservation choices, upgrades, programming and operations stay aligned with NEB values.
