Galway City Council and Northern and Western Regional Assembly Announce €3.8 Million Investment in Cultural Revival Project
The Assistant Director of the Northen and Western Regional Assembly, Paddy Austin and the Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary signed a grant agreement for an investment of €3.8 million from the European Regional Development Fund’s Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) in the presence of the Mayor of Galway Peter Keane. This funding is for the restoration of the Nun’s Island Theatre and the neighbouring Church House, with the goal of creating a dynamic Creative Space that will function as a versatile arts and creativity hub in Galway City.
Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Mr Leonard Cleary; Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Peter Keane; NWRA Assistant Director Mr. Paddy Austin
The Nun’s Island Theatre, built circa 1835, and the Church House, constructed between 1855 and 1872, are significant cultural landmarks located on the western bank of the Corrib River. This project aims to honour their historical value while adapting them to meet the contemporary needs of Galway’s artistic community. The renovation will link these two important buildings, creating new infrastructure for creativity and innovation, aptly named ‘CreativeSpace’ on Nun’s Island.
During 2021 and 2022, Galway City Council engaged the Urban Lab Galway in the University of Galway to undertake a public consultation process which gathered insights from the local community and stakeholders in the creative sector about the desired role and function of the Nun’s Island site. The feedback highlighted a strong desire for a multifunctional space that could accommodate rehearsals, studios, meetings, events, and administrative functions. CreativeSpace will fulfil this vision, providing rehearsal and performance facilities that promote innovative and experimental work by emerging artists, individuals, and minority communities in Galway.
Front Row: Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Mr Leonard Cleary; NWRA Assistant Director Mr. Paddy Austin
Back Row: NWRA Programme Executive, Yvette Keating; Senior Resident Engineer Galway City Council Mr. Michael Curran; Galway Arts Centre General Manager Tara O’Connor; Galway Arts Centre Director Megs Morley; Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Peter Keane
This initiative is not only a significant step towards creating new creative space within the cultural landscape of Galway City but also embodies the European Bauhaus Principles of Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion. By reviving these historic buildings, the project aims to create a vibrant, attractive, accessible and viable space that encourages the local community to live, work, and engage with the arts while strengthening the impact of EU funds in the region.
Galway City Council and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative project, which will undoubtedly bring Europe closer to its citizens.
THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-27.
