‘Green’ revamp of Fiesta Ballroom moves closer
The refurbishment of the Fiesta Ballroom in Kilcormac, which is to be turned into a 'Green HQ' by the Offaly Local Development Company, is moving a step closer, with a contractor currently being sought to carry out work on the local landmark.
According to a planning application for the project, which was approved in March, the hall is to become "a Green Enterprise hub and Climate Action Centre, with a lecture theatre, conference facilities and fixed and remote working space".
Offaly Local Development company was previously awarded some €960,000 in Just Transition funding towards the 'Green HQ' initiative.
When completed, the new facility is due to be used to "deliver training, education and research programmes in green skills, sustainability, climate change and community regeneration," the plans stated. "Community and visitor facilities" in the building will include "a coffee house, dance space, workshops, events and exhibitions".
The Fiesta Ballroom, which was a cinema and dance hall in the 1960s, has, in more recent times, hosted bingo, drama and other community events.
However, it has not been used for "about five years" and is currently in poor condition according to planning documents.
In March of this year, Offaly Local Development Company CLG was granted planning approval for the building's refurbishment. Tender documents were issued last week, inviting contractors to submit bids for carrying out the work.
A decision on the contractor being appointed to the project is due to be made by November 11 next.
Offaly Local Development Company's plans stated that the work on the building will include "retaining a portion of the raked cinema seating for the purpose of lecture/training room and four 'breakout' rooms".
A single storey new-build is planned to replace the single-storey section at the side of the hall, and this will include "sanitary facilities, three office spaces, and universal access".
The plans also note that the ground floor of the building is to be used as a multi-use social and community space which can host exhibitions and demonstrations. "The foyer will be repurposed as a café, with capacity for additional outdoor seating to the front of the building," the plans added.
A structural survey report on the Fiesta Ballroom, carried out last year by the Birr-based Thor Design and Management consultants, stated that the building was originally constructed "in the early part of the 20th century" and was then extended some years later.
"Overall, the building is typical for its period of construction, but it will need significant work and money to upgrade it to an acceptable standard for any re-purposed use," the report concluded.