A dream three decades in the making: West Cork arts centre granted planning

Plans for a new multi-million-euro arts venue in  West Cork have been green-lit by Cork County Council.

The project, with an expected cost of up to €40m, headed by West Cork Music, will see the multi-functional venue constructed in Bantry by 2030, subject to funding.

Spanning 1,970 sq m, the development, designed by McCullough Mulvin Architects, will feature a 271-seat auditorium, dedicated education and rehearsal spaces, a cafe, and a public plaza.

The approved plans will see the demolition of the former GW Biggs & Co retail warehouse on Bridge St and Market Lane to facilitate the construction of the venue.

The building, located next to the existing Bantry Library, will also include a reception area and box office, a foyer, changing rooms, and additional technical, storage, and administration spaces.

The three-storey education hub will provide teaching space, and rehearsal rooms for performers.

The plans also provide for 40 bicycle spaces and four car parking spaces.

Access to the new venue will be provided via an upgraded entryway on Bridge St, with a service and emergency entrance planned from Market Lane.

Engine for the arts

Speaking to The Echo, venue development manager at West Cork Music, Siobhán Burke, said the project will serve as “an engine for the arts and creativity in West Cork”.

“We are absolutely thrilled that this is going ahead,” said Ms Burke.

“We are super grateful to have been able to use spaces like Bantry House, Marino Church, and St Brendan’s Church over the years, and we plan to continue using those spaces...but crucially, we don’t have spaces that have the accessibility we’re looking for.”

Ms Burke said that currently, local audiences must travel for over an hour to either Cork or Killarney to reach a purpose-built concert hall.

“The aim of this project is to make sure that people in rural areas have access to the arts too.

“West Cork is an incredibly creative place and what we’re trying to do is create the kind of spaces that help the arts continue to thrive,” said Ms Burke.

“This project will give us a home and a hub for West Cork Music Festival, so that we can be an engine for the arts and creativity in West Cork. There is a huge amount of work to do still, but we hope to get going as fast as we can.

CEO of West Cork Music, Francis Humphrys said this project is something the organisation has “dreamed of” for 30 years.

“This decision brings that dream significantly closer to reality,” said Mr Humphrys.

“We’re delighted planning has been granted. We are hugely grateful to everyone who has supported us in reaching this point.”