Waterford Council aiming to develop creative space in the county's Cultural Quarter

Waterford City and County Council are inviting Expressions of Interest from parties interested in collaborating on a unique project brief. This is for the development and operation of an innovative creative space at a building in the county’s Cultural Quarter. 

It is envisaged that this space, at 25/26 O’Connell Street, would act as an anchor tenant for a creative arts cluster in the historic area. This could include co-working spaces, collaborative studios, creative industries and more. 

According to the Council, the building must be dedicated to creative production that is open, visible and with hands-on making opportunities for visitors. It must support both professional artists (studio, exhibition and performance possibilities and equipment support) and community creativity. Experimentation, the evolution of new practices and creative technologies must also be encouraged. 

The successful applicant will work closely with Waterford City and County Council to develop a brief that will inform the design, operation and management of the building. They will assist in advising on how it will operate on a day-to-day basis, drawn from their knowledge and expertise in arts and cultural management. 

Having assisted in the development of the design brief, it is expected that the successful applicant will then operate the cultural building when constructed.

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The proposed development forms a central component of the Council’s successful Urban Regeneration and Development Fund award of 2021. 

The O’Connell Street property is currently vacant and was last used as a furniture shop. Having carried out a feasibility study, it was concluded that a new building, which aligns with the objectives of the Cultural Quarter, would maximise the site’s potential. 

The complex will consist of two buildings and a courtyard. Building one will be a creative space including a workshop/gallery/multi-functional space over three levels. Building two will be three to four stories with an activation space located on the ground floor. This can include a mixed-use commercial space, a food/beverage and retail offering or other creative commercial uses. It is proposed to have office space on the floors above that will be operated and managed by others. 

Waterford City and County Council are committed to sourcing funding. It is anticipated that this will be through grants from National and EU funding streams. The implementation of this project is however subject to securing adequate funding in order for it to proceed. This expression of interest invitation is not a binding obligation to proceed with the project. 

They are now seeking partners to help shape a project brief and bring forward a vibrant creative use for the building. 

Full details are available here, with queries directed to eoicreativespace@waterfordcouncil.ie. 

The closing date for submissions is 3pm on May 8, 2026.