Realising the town hall project for Ballinrobe is taking longer than first hoped.

The Ballinrobe Civic, Arts & Amenity Company (BCAAC) and South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) have provided an update on the planned redevelopment of the Valkenburg building as a new Town Hall for Ballinrobe.

Since buying the Valkenburg building in 2020, both organisations have been working together to build a modern community facility for the town.

The Valkenburg building in Ballinrobe

Over the past 18 months, significant work has been done, including the appointment of a professional project team: KSN Project Management, Taylor McCarney Architects, and Tom McNamara & Sons (Quantity Surveyors).

While progress has taken longer than first hoped, the project is still active and is progressing within the constraints of rising construction costs.

BCAAC Chairperson Michael Sweeney said: “We are in regular contact with the Department regarding the increased costs and the additional funding required to move to construction. This project continues to have strong community backing, and we are determined to see it delivered."

Sabina Trench, CEO, SWMDC: “The Town Hall is a vital community initiative for Ballinrobe and the wider region. SWMDC will continue to work closely with BCAAC and our partners to secure the resources needed to bring this important facility to completion.”

Planning application has been lodged for change of use

In parallel, a planning application has been lodged for a proposed change of use for part of the ground floor — formerly a coffee shop and restaurant — to create two universal access bedrooms.

The accommodation element will support short-stay accommodation linked to Town Hall activities and provide a sustainable income stream which will underpin the long-term financial viability of the overall development. With Ballinrobe already well served by cafés and restaurants, this is viewed as a more strategic long-term use of the space.

The project received a resounding vote of confidence in April 2022 when a grant of €4.87m million was secured from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Additional public funding of €750,000 has been contributed by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media.

BCAAC and SWMDC, together with their professional partners, remain committed to progressing the Ballinrobe Town Hall project and will continue to keep the community informed as further developments occur.

MORE INFO and outline drawings and plans for the project can be viewed here.

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