WATCH: Frame up for new €800 k Laois entertainment venue in Portlaoise

A crane has hovered over the historic heart of Portlaoise as the framework is erected for the Laois town's new arts and entertainment space that will go into operation next spring.

Laois County Council has confirmed that work has started on the outdoor performance and event space inside the walls of the historic Fort Protector on Tower Hill in Portlaoise.

The council's Director of Service with responsibility for Portlaoise is Simon Walton. He confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that works have commenced regarding the provision of the outdoor performance and event space.

"To date, various groundworks have been completed and the steel structure components assembled on site. In the New Year, the roof membrane will be put in place, the stage and temporary seating delivered to site, power supply provided etc., with a view to the completion of this element of the Project in the first few months of 2024.

"This will provide the key elements required to host outdoor performances and events in the space. Other elements, architectural and welfare related, will be provided at a later date, as a phase 2 project," he said.

The statement also provided information on costs.

"The project under construction is funded via the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Outdoor Public Space Scheme 2021 and by Laois County Council. Costs, for this element of the Project, are circa €800,000. It is intended that the Space will be available for use from Spring 2024 onwards," he said.

The local authority began consulting with the public on the plan in April 2022. At the time it said the new amenity would be located to the rear part of the old Scoil Mhuire which is now home to the Laois Music Centre.

The council said at the time that it wanted to create a significant gathering space for performances and events that would involve the construction/installation of a performance stage, temporary awning/covering with a 500 capacity.

It said a new permanent gateway structure to control access to and from the even space would be needed. An existing opening in the Fort wall would be used to create new access to the performance space from Tower Hill.

The local authority said the proposed development was complimentary to other developments in what is now referred to as the Cultural Quarter of Portlaoise. Such projects include the new library, public realm enhancements, the redevelopment of the Convent and on CBS lands.

More below picture of the tent used on the site for the Old Fort Festival.

The Local authority also say the proposed development is complimentary to sustained economic activity in the town centre and is further complimentary to existing arts and culture-based activities throughout Laois and the Midlands.

In developing the project, Laois County Council said it had engaged with key stakeholders including the Laois School of Music, Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, Laois Heritage Society, the Dunamaise Arts Centre and Downtown Portlaoise. 

The space at the rear of School of Music was used in recent years for the Old Fort Festival concerts which proved very popular events.