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Grant Agreement Signed for €3.8 Million Nun's Island Theatre Renovation

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October 30 2024
Grant Agreement Signed for €3.8 Million Nun's Island Theatre Renovation

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A Step Forward

The revitalisation of Nun's Island Theatre and Church House to create a dynamic Creative Space for the city has taken a significant step forward this week as official contracts were signed. 

The grant agreement for €3.8 million has been signed between the Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.

The funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund's Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE). The grant has been signed in the presence of the Mayor of the City of Galway. Cllr Peter Keane. 

A Creative Space

The goal is to revamp the area into a dynamic Creative Space that will function as a versatile arts and creativity hub in Galway. 

The Nun’s Island Theatre, built circa 1835, and the Church House, constructed between 1855 and 1872, are significant cultural landmarks located on the western bank of the Corrib river. 

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This project aims to honour their historical value while adapting them to meet the contemporary needs of Galway’s artistic community. The renovation will link these two important buildings, creating new infrastructure for creativity and innovation, aptly named ‘CreativeSpace’ on Nun’s Island.

Public Consultation

During 2021 and 2022, Galway City Council engaged the Urban Lab Galway in the University of Galway to undertake a public consultation process which gathered insights from the local community and stakeholders in the creative sector about the desired role and function of the Nun’s Island site. 

The feedback highlighted a strong desire for a multifunctional space that could accommodate rehearsals, studios, meetings, events, and administrative functions. 

Rehearsal and Performance Space

CreativeSpace will fulfill this vision, providing rehearsal and performance facilities that promote innovative and experimental work by emerging artists, individuals, and minority communities in Galway.

This initiative is not only a significant step towards creating new creative space within the cultural landscape of Galway City but also embodies the European Bauhaus Principles of Sustainability, Aesthetics, and Inclusion. 

By reviving these historic buildings, the project aims to create a vibrant, attractive, accessible and viable space that encourages the local community to live, work, and engage with the arts while strengthening the impact of EU funds in the region.

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