By Dan Walsh
Wexford County Council is to benefit from funding of €7 million under THRIVE – Strand 2, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, awarded under Ireland’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programmes for the renovation, restoration and reuse of the Gorey Market House with the aim of revitalising and enhancing Gorey town centre.
This funding will be utilised to regenerate the oldest building in Gorey – “Gorey Market House”, which is associated with the foundation of Gorey Town in line with the Town Centre First approach. This cherished building was identified for regeneration and following extensive engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders and citizens, a co-created design for the regeneration of the building was developed.
Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council was delighted as Chair of the Market House multi-disciplinary team to secure this investment which with matching funding from the Council, will see a total of €9 million invested in the heart of Gorey. He went on to outline the works which will include “co-created design for Gorey Market House will be converted into a new community and cultural hub by opening three of the arches on Main Street, regenerating the existing building, an extension to facilitate accessibility to upper floors and the creation of new café to the rear. By opening the arches, it will provide access to the rear of the building creating a new market plaza for Gorey which will be utilised for markets, concerts and events.
Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr. Oliver Walsh stated this was one of the most significant investment projects secured by Wexford County Council to date and it would be an important flagship project for Gorey cementing its reputation as a key destination for business, retail and the arts for both local communities and visitors with an icon public realm development of the most historic building in Gorey.
Cllr Walsh added; “In addition to the recently completed Gorey Town Park, the Gorey Market House will complement future projects including the planned works for Esmonde Street and the St Walerans development for the town and he congratulated all involved in working collaboratively together for the delivery of the shared vision for Gorey.”
The regenerated Gorey Market House will be aligned to the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus and will be fully accessible, inclusive, sustainable and beautiful and will foster a sense of pride
Liz Hore, Director of Services thanked the elected members of Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District for their support as the Gorey Market House was their number one priority project and for the people of North Wexford who were important partners in the project. “We placed great emphasis on community engagement to ensure the people of Gorey had a voice and we saw first-hand how much the Gorey Market House is loved. The THRIVE grant facilitates Wexford County Council as custodians of the Market House to preserve its past and revitalise the building by providing a transformational impact for its future.”
She paid tribute to Gorey Community Development group which is an umbrella organisation for a few groups in the area and its representatives. In addition, ODKM architects did a superb job in designing a truly innovative public realm space for the Gorey Market House, Playcity assisted with the citizen engagement, Dr. Yvonne Byrne and the internal multi-disciplinary team of Planning, Climate Action, Special projects capital development, Arts, Economic who all collaborated to get a top-class submission which has been recognised and supported by the Regional Assembly and.
Ms. Hore concluded; “The Department with the maximum grant award of €7 million. Wexford County Council will now focus on the delivery of the project which the people of North Wexford are looking forward to and which will be showcased at international level.”
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