Macroom Library and Briery Gap Theatre Project Reaches Historic Milestone

Three men and one woman pictured with 2 of the men holding an oversized cardboard key on which is written Briery Gap, Cumnor Construction and Cork County Council.

The Macroom Library and Briery Gap Theatre project has reached a significant milestone as Cumnor Construction officially hands the keys back to owners Cork County Council. 

Construction works on the new Briery Gap building commenced in January 2022.  Phase One of this substantial project has been completed with Cumnor Construction undertaking the construction and renovation of the building. Phase Two will involve the fit out of the library and theatre and is due to commence in the coming weeks.  

The project has been funded through grants from the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, together with substantial funding from Cork County Council.

Deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Ted Lucey welcomed the completion of this complex project, 

The Briery Gap occupies a prominent position in the centre of Macroom and is a focal point for social and economic development within the town.  There has been much excitement and anticipation as this building project took shape and its return to active use for the people of Macroom is very much welcomed by all with great plans for its future now beginning to take shape.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan added,

 The completion of this high quality, landmark building marks a crucial step in our revitalisation plans for Macroom Town. Plans are also underway for a public realm enhancement project in the South Square area surrounding the Briery Gap. With thanks to support from the Department of Community and Rural Development, works will get underway later this year, further enhancing the town centre.

The project has been expertly designed and led by Cork County Council’s Architects Department together with their team of consultants; Consulting Engineers Horgan Lynch and EDC, ASM Group, CK Fire and Theatre Plan and Cumnor Construction. The project was steered to completion by the Council’s Design and Project Team.

The completion of this phase marks a significant step towards the official opening of the building in Autumn 2024.