Waterford City & 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 Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
This funding will be utilised to regenerate the largest early 18th Century townhouse, on one of the oldest streets in Waterford City’s Viking Triangle, “18 Lady Lane” which is currently vacant and derelict. Using the Town Centre First approach and incorporating ongoing citizen and stakeholder engagement and an iterative process, the end use and design for 18 Lady Lane was co-created.
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.”
18 Lady Lane will be converted into a visitor attraction – Tir na nÓg – the land of young people to create a magical journey of discovery celebrating children’s past, present and future while conserving the original fabric and decorative internal features of the building to ensure authenticity is retained. The building will be converted into a life size dolls house, with a café and terrace lit by pencil lights on the ground floor, a new lift will be installed resembling building blocks, and a new fire escape will be installed resembling a Meccano set.
Enda Hogan, Assistant Director of the Southern Regional Assembly, said:
“In line with the New European Bauhaus values and principles the renovated building will be aesthetically beautiful with the sensory experience incorporated into all aspects of the design and will be fully accessible and inclusive. Tir na nÓg will develop a social inclusion plan to target children from socially disadvantaged communities and will set aside special days for children with sensory and intellectual challenges. A visit to Tir na nÓg will, we be for many children and adults their first step into a lifetime journey where they will engage with cultural institutions and thereby become empowered to question and interrogate the world about them.”
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 Waterford City. The project will act as a significant catalyst for revitalising Waterford urban 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