Arts Centre design set to be unveiled

Tullamore's Community Arts Centre took one step closer to being built this week, when a winning design for the building was presented to the Arts Centre Board and ratified by them. Chairman of the Board Des Doyle told the Offaly Independent yesterday (Thursday) plans for the eagerly awaited centre will be revealed to the public at a launch on July 21. He said the main features in the chosen design are a 350-seat auditorium, a dedicated art gallery with studio space, three additions rooms and a café/bar. The winning design was chosen by an eight man jury after a competition organised by architectual support body RIAI attracted 119 drawings. The jury comprising three architects, one Tullamore town councillors, one county councillor, Offaly Arts Officer and County Manager and the Chair of the Tullamore Musical Society selected four finalists from the 119 entries a month ago, and chose a final winning design last week. An Arts Centre has long been wanting in Tullamore. In April 2007 €2 million funding was approved by the government for such a centre in Tullamore. A site for the Arts Centre at Kilbride Plaza was announced last October. Mr Doyle told the Offaly Independent yesterday he was "impressed" and "very happy" with the Arts Centre plan. "I think people will be very happy," he added. On July 21 a website and local fundraising committee will also be launched. Fundraising for the project has been capped at €200,000. Two million of the costs will be funded by Access 2 grants. Mr Doyle said that while a firm date has not been set, he hopes to see work begin on the arts building late this year or early next at latest.