Another key milestone in the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme has been reached.
The plan, which is set to transform the town with public investment of €54-57m, has seen a €3.3m creative hub move to tender stage.
Fingal County Council has already approved plans for the works at 2-4 Dublin Street, which are expected to be complete, pending the award of a tender, by the end of 2027.
Ensuring Balbriggan becomes a nationally renowned destination for arts and culture is a key part of the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme.
The creative hub is central to this.
The vision for the listed building includes the development of creative art spaces with adjoining digital learning facilities, a courtyard and gallery.
Welcoming the move, Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Our Balbriggan Leadership Group, said the creative hub is a key piece of the rejuvenation programme which will shape the development of Balbriggan.
Under the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme, the council has made a number of strategic property acquisitions as well as progressing work on the redevelopment of the Harbour as part of the massive urban regeneration project.
“The bricks and mortar transformation of Ireland’s youngest large town is now beginning to take shape,” said Dr Begg.
“The ambitious vision contained in the rejuvenation plan was the result of an historic community engagement which saw more than 25 per cent of Balbriggan’s residents outline their preferences for the future of the town.
“Fingal County Council has displayed a very strong commitment to delivering the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation programme for the benefit of the people of the town.
“The creative hub is a key piece of the planned infrastructural development.”
The move is complementary to Balbriggan’s designation by the Arts Council as a Creative Place.
It is to receive Arts Council funding of €330,000 over three years, under the Creative Places programme, to provide local people access to the arts in their own community.
That funding was secured the Council’s Economic, Enterprise, Cultural and Tourism Department and the initiative is led by Fingal Arts team.
Ireland’s youngest large town now plays host to a number of festivals and cultural events in partnership with the locally-based Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS).
Plans for the Creative Hub can be viewed at the link below –
