Projects

Repurposing heritage buildings into vibrant, sustainable cultural and community hubs

Our role

• THRIVE provides an allocation of €120 million, under the European Regional Development Fund, to support the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme. Local authorities could apply via their respective Regional Assemblies to re-imagine a town centre through the adaptive reuse of publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage building.
• Our Economics team was instrumental in developing the business case, securing capital investment funding from THRIVE, and establishing strong governance for the proposed public investment.  
• We developed innovative frameworks to capture and measure cultural and heritage value, ensuring these assets are recognised and leveraged effectively for the creative and tourism sectors. Drawing on deep expertise in cultural infrastructure, our team delivered the process collaboratively and efficiently, within the Infrastructure Guidelines. 
• Cultural infrastructure refers to the buildings, spaces and environments where culture is either enjoyed or produced. Both elements are needed for the delivery of consistent, engaging experiences that create thriving communities and enhance the town’s appeal.

Results

• In September 2025 it was announced that the maximum ceiling of €7 million funding was awarded for the project, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union for the initial capital investment. 
• The adaptive re-use of The Cloisters building is a transformative initiative for Ennis town centre, with the intention to build a vibrant multi-use community space known as “Teach an Phobail” (literally meaning “house of the people” but also “church” or chapel).
• The project will provide six artist studios, two classrooms, conference, exhibition and heritage spaces, while retaining the existing café and kitchen. This will create a dynamic hub for culture, learning and community engagement. 
• The resulting economic, social and civic benefits are expected to be far-reaching and transformative. 
• THRIVE advocates the New European Bauhaus design principles and values, of sustainable, inclusive and beautiful.

Image credit: A2 Architects