'Game changer': €7m to transform empty town hall in Mallow
Plans for the town hall's redevelopment have been in the works for several years.
Funding of €7m is to be allocated to the transformation of the long empty town hall in Mallow in a move which has been described as a ‘game changer’ for the North Cork town by the chairman of the Kanturk Mallow Municipal District, Fianna Fáil councillor Pat Hayes.
The funding for the project is coming from the ‘Thrive – Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme’ and involves co-funding from the Government and the European Union.
At a meeting of the Kanturk Mallow Municipal District Council earlier this year the estimated cost of the redevelopment of the Town Hall was given as €10m.
Describing the announcement as a ‘major milestone for the Mallow community’, Mr Hayes said the funding would enable the Town Hall to be transformed into a vibrant arts centre for the community and would also house the town’s Thomas Davis Pipe Band which recently celebrated its centenary.
“As a community that cherishes its heritage, this project promises to reinvigorate the heart of Mallow and provide a cultural hub for residents and visitors alike,” he said.
“This building holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Mallow, including myself, with memories of the library and the pipe band resonating within its walls."
The announcement has also been welcomed by Labour Party councillor Eoghan Kenny who said the news was very timely, coming at the conclusion of the Mallow Arts Festival.
Mr Eoghan Kenny called on Cork County Council to ‘ensure the that the funding of €3m to fully pay for the redevelopment is secured in timely fashion’.
The councillor said he was confident this would be achieved.
“Mallow Town Hall is of significant importance to those who are born and bred in Mallow,” he said, describing the news as a positive step towards opening the doors again.
“This will be a centre where they can express their talent to the people of Mallow, tourists and visitors alike. For far too long, a town the size of Mallow with so many talented individuals has had no arts and culture centre.”
App?
