Work on €5m arts centre to start next month

 The construction of a new community arts centre for Tullamore is set to get underway next month, it was announced this week.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening the directors of Tullamore Community Arts Centre Limited revealed that contracts for the €5m project will be signed shortly with work beginning in February. The projected completion date for the long awaited arts facility is early 2021.

 The centre, which will be located in the old Kilroys building on High Street, will include a 220 seat theatre, dedicated art gallery, together with various meeting/rehearsal rooms, a cafe/bar, foyer and offices as well as dressing rooms for performers

In its statement, the arts centre committee said that a funding pledge of €2m from the State meant that the project could become a reality.

“Immediately prior to Christmas the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht confirmed its support for the centre in the shape of Access Funds of €2 million. This is in addition to €2.5 pledged by Offaly County Council as well as €200,000 from the Street Enhancement Scheme. Also, the Board of the Centre has pledged to raise a further €500,000 by way of fundraising. “This has been a long and difficult road in order to reach this point. Confirmation of the department’s input was the final part of the jigsaw. It is intended that construction work on the centre will commence in February, with a projected completion date of early 2021.

 “It has often been stressed that until now Tullamore is the only county capital town in the country without an arts centre. However, the people of Tullamore and surrounding areas will soon have a place where drama groups will rehearse and perform, writer groups will meet, tutors will conduct classes, musicians will practice, and artists will create; it will be a place to experience theatre and dance, enjoy readings, exhibitions and seminars, to hear, see and feel new experiences. It will be a community centre with a significant child and youth centered programme, together with activities for adults of all ages.

Also the people of Tullamore who supported the fundraising campaign organised by Paddy Fenning and his team. The fact that the local community contributed €185,000 nett greatly influenced the department.

“Our next move is the immediate signing of the contract for the construction of the centre. The Board will keep people informed of developments throughout the construction of the centre.”

The news has been welcomed Cllr Sean O'Brien, who says that it will be a “very welcome boost to the centre of Tullamore”.

 “I hope that the work on the old Kilroys building will proceed without delay. The many people who have campaigned for this centre will be very pleased. It was an issue for the people of Tullamore and surrounding areas during the recent local elections.  As a director of the Community Arts Centre I am delighted that Tullamore will now have its long awaited arts centre which will be of benefit to all," concluded Cllr O'Brien.