New 'innovative creative space’ planned in Waterford city

The local authority has unveiled plans for the creation of what they are branding an "innovative creative space" at 25/26 O’ Connell Street.

The intention of the development is to create “a cultural building that will combine innovation in creativity, artistic ambition and civic purpose”.

It is envisaged that the space would act as an anchor tenant for a creative arts cluster in Waterford’s Cultural Quarter. This could include co-working spaces, collaborative studios and creative industries.

The property is currently vacant and was last used as a furniture shop.

The complex will consist of two buildings and a courtyard. 

Building one will be a creative space including a workshop/gallery/multi-functional spaces over three levels, ground, first and second floor.

Building two will be a three to four storey building with an activation space located on the ground floor. The potential for the activation space may include mixed-use commercial spaces, a food/beverage and retail offering or other creative commercial uses. 

It is proposed to have office space on the floors above which will be operated and managed by others. 

Waterford City and County Council have began taking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from parties interested in collaborating with the Council to develop a project brief and in operating a creative space within the building.

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)