Mallow Town Hall Theatre Project

Introduction

Cork County Council are progressing a project to redevelop and return to use the Mallow
Town Hall building as a theatre and multi-use arts centre. The repurposing of this historic building is intended to invigorate Mallow town-centre, fostering a vibrant cultural scene and
attracting visitors, businesses, and residents alike, thereby revitalising local commerce and
community engagement.

The building is currently vacant and neglected and this project aims to rejuvenate the building returning to its original purpose as a building open to the public and serving the people of Mallow. 

Part 8 planning permission for the redevelopment is in place and the project has been successful in bidding for €7m grant funding under the THRIVE Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme – Strand 2. The THRIVE scheme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.

This project is being implemented in line with the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus. Mallow Town Hall Theatre will be a sustainable and aesthetically beautiful building which prioritises accessibility and inclusivity.

The Project

The project will see the renovation and restoration of the existing historic Town Hall Building with most of the existing building layout retained and a new link section between the original Town Hall Building and rear Theatre building constructed aswell as two small extensions to the theatre area.

The renovated property will facilitate contemporary functionality and regulatory compliance whilst still retaining the historic character and protected elements of the structure. The new building will facilitate;

• Increased circulation space , ensuring regulatory compliance with Part M (Access) and Part B (Fire Safety) of the building regulations.
• Additional space for the inclusion of contemporary building services and associated equipment, ensuring efficient energy management throughout the building's lifetime.
• Increased capacity to accommodate necessary plant, technical and storage for the operation of a modern theatre.
• Increased capacity to provide adequate backstage areas including a loading dock to ensure minimum functionality of the theatre.
• More generous circulation spaces that can double as gallery / exhibitions spaces.
  A dedicated rehearsal studio / community meeting space as requested.

Funding

This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union, through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021 - 27 and Cork County Council.

New European Bauhaus

The Mallow Town Hall Theatre Project is being delivered through the NEB principles in consultation with the local community. It seeks to reflect and incorporate sustainability, inclusivity and beauty into the design.

New European Bauhaus Principles:

Beautiful: “quality of experience and style beyond functionality.”
Sustainable: “from climate goals to circularity, zero pollution, and biodiversity”
Together: “from valuing diversity to securing accessibility and affordability”

Learn more about the New European Bauhaus principles at New European Bauhaus.

Project Timeline

2022: Scheme Design and Part 8 Planning Approval Granted.
2023: Fire Safety Cert, Disability Access Cert and detailed design complete.
May 2024: Application lodged for funding under the SRA THRIVE programme.
October 2024: Thrive Funding Agreement .
April 2025: Stage 1 of 2 Stage Tender Process advertised.
June 2025: Stage 2 Invitation to Tender to be advertised.
Dec 2025: Anticipated date for works commencement with 18 month construction period.
Q3 2027: Anticipated date for opening of new Mallow Town Hall Theatre.

Images of Redevelopment