Building vacant for over 20 years to be redeveloped into "flagship" facility

Waterford City and County Council are aiming to undertake the demolition of a three-storey building in Waterford city centre, and construct in its place two new buildings which will form a “flagship facility” for the Waterford Cultural Quarter (WCQ).

The proposed development is located at 25/26 O’Connell Street, which is currently occupied by a building which has been vacant for over twenty years. Behind the building is a space which is also vacant, and was most recently used as a private parking lot.

The proposed new buildings will provide a gallery, studios and workshops for the arts community as well as a headquarters for the WCQ.

Two floors of commercial office space will also be provided. It is envisaged that micro-workshops, multi-functional spaces, and a commercial element such as a café and retail selling locally produced crafts and artwork will be developed.

The project will also accommodate a courtyard and a new connection between the adjoining Garter Lane Theatre courtyard and Jenkin’s Lane.

The development is currently open for public consultation.