Cobh's Sirius Arts Centre launches fundraiser for next phase of restoration project

A major fundraising campaign to restore the former clubhouse of the Royal Cork Yacht Club was recently launched in Cobh.

The former clubhouse of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, now the Sirius Arts Centre, is regarded as being one of Ireland’s most architecturally significant buildings.

The €2m multi-phase restoration and conservation project is required to address the building’s structure, and will include terrace underpinning, the reinstatement of historic chimneys, lead roofing, distinctive roof lantern, remodelled gallery space, a new artist in residence facility, and a café.

Built in 1854 to house the world’s oldest yacht club, the Italianate-style clubhouse was designed by renowned architect Anthony Salvin, who worked on Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, and several other significant castles and buildings in Britain.

In the late 1980s, thanks to the work of Peter Murray and other Cobh locals who set up Sirius Commemoration — along with the generosity of American philanthropists William and Joan Roth — the building was given a new lease of life, culminating in the foundation of Sirius Arts Centre to serve as a cultural resource for the Harbour area in 1995.

Through the support of members of the Irish Georgian Society in the US, funds were successfully raised to reinstate key elements of the Salvin design under Phase 1 of the restoration project.

The Government — through the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage — is supporting Phase 2, which includes the underpinning works to ensure the structure of the building for the future.

Further funds are required for Phase 3 — covering the repurposing of exhibition space, creation of a feature café, new artist in residence accommodation and studio, and improved accessibility of the building.

Sirius Arts Centre chairperson Glen Barry described the centre as an important architectural and historic site, as well as a significant cultural resource.

“As stewards of this special building, we want and need to ensure its conservation and restoration now and into the future for all to enjoy,” he said.

The president of the Irish Georgian Society, David Davies, said the restoration of the old clubhouse building has generated huge interest with the society’s members — especially those in the US.

He said that a central role of the Irish Georgian Society is the conservation of Ireland’s built heritage, and that its support for the Sirius Arts Centre was driven by a wish to revitalise one of Ireland’s most magnificent maritime buildings.

Dr Tom McCarthy, of McCarthy Developments, and chairperson of the restoration project, described the Sirius Arts Centre as a special building overlooking Cork harbour. He highlighted the “enormous potential to create an exciting new future”.

The Sirius Arts Centre welcomes gifts and donations of all values, which can be made at siriusartscentre.ie or by contacting Sirius Arts Centre directly.