Wexford County Council are set to benefit from funding of up to €7 million under THRIVE, the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, awarded under the ESouthern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
This funding will be utilised to regenerate the oldest building in Gorey – “Gorey Market House”, which is associated with the foundation of the 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.
Welcoming the funding award, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said:
“A significant €32M is being allocated today across the five urban centres so that publicly owned vacant and derelict heritage buildings can be restored and renovated. Having visited many of these towns and seen the buildings earmarked for rejuvenation I can safely say this funding will make a massive difference. I want to commend the communities and indeed every tier of government involved, from a European, Regional and Local level, in bringing these projects to fruition. The THRIVE fund is empowering communities to shape the future of their urban centres by identifying opportunities which will help ensure their long-term vitality. I very much look forward to seeing the substantial regeneration which will arise out of this funding and which will strengthen the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of towns throughout Ireland.”
In line with the co-created design, Gorey Market House will now be converted into a new community and cultural hub by opening up 3 of the arches on main street, regenerating the existing building, 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. It will also create a new gated entrance to the graveyard beyond the site which will provide access to a designated heritage trail.
Enda Hogan, Assistant Director of the Southern Regional Assembly, said:
“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 in Gorey town. Gorey Market House will provide green infrastructure and a natural biodiversity retreat within an urban setting, serving as a focal point for all age groups to meet and will elevate the profile for this landmark building.”
David Kelly, Director of the Southern Regional Assembly, said:
‘This significant Government and ERDF investment, through the Regional Programme will have a transformative effect by breathing new life into this historic building and will enhance the social and cultural vibrancy of Gorey town. The project will act as a significant catalyst for revitalising Gorey town centre and provide visible benefits of the support provided by the EU for our region and people’.
THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
Further information is available on the website of the Southern Regional Assembly at https://www.southernassembly.ie/eu-programmes/sem2127