Castlebar's Linenhall secures funding for major conservation project
Arts centre to begin future-proofing its historic Castlebar home
Castlebar’s Linenhall Arts Centre has successfully secured LEADER funding for an ambitious Conservation Management Plan for its historic building. This marks an important milestone in the future protection and development of one of Co Mayo’s most distinctive heritage assets.
In response to a detailed funding application by the Linenhall, a Letter of Acceptance was formally presented to the arts centre by David O’Malley of the South West Mayo Development Company LEADER Programme on Thursday last, November 5. Now the process of developing a comprehensive plan to safeguard the building, celebrate its history and ensure it remains fit for purpose for generations to come can begin.
Preserving history
Dating from 1790, the Linenhall is an important part of Castlebar’s architectural and social history. Originally built by Charles Bingham, the first Earl of Lucan, as a centre for the region’s linen trade, it subsequently served as Castlebar’s Town Hall and Town Council headquarters before becoming the home of the Linenhall Arts Centre. Today, it is a protected structure and a vibrant centre for arts, culture and community life in the town.
The Conservation Management Plan will take a comprehensive look at the building’s past, its present condition and its future potential. Over an anticipated six-month programme, specialist conservation professionals will undertake historical and architectural research, detailed internal and external condition surveys, and an assessment of the building’s heritage significance.
The work will also examine the building’s existing artefacts and heritage collections, explore opportunities for bringing under-utilised spaces back into meaningful use, and develop a prioritised strategy for the building’s long-term conservation.
Importantly, the plan will address the challenges of climate change, energy efficiency and sustainability, identifying ways to improve the building’s environmental performance while respecting and protecting its historic fabric. It will also examine fire safety, accessibility and future building requirements, with costed recommendations and the creation of a long-term masterplan to guide future investment and funding applications.
Future proofing
Commenting on the news, Fiona Neary, Co-Director of the Linenhall Arts Centre, said all at the Linenhall are ‘absolutely delighted’ to have secured this funding.
“This is an incredibly important project for the Linenhall and for Castlebar,” she said. “Our building has witnessed more than 230 years of the town’s history, and we have a responsibility to ensure that its remarkable story, architectural character and place in community life are protected into the future.”
“This project is about much more than the physical conservation of an historic building,” Neary explained. “It is about understanding what we have, recognising its significance, addressing the challenges it faces and creating a realistic, ambitious roadmap for its future. We want to ensure that the Linenhall continues to evolve as an accessible, welcoming and thriving arts centre, while preserving the heritage that makes it such a special place.”
Neary added that the Linenhall is extremely grateful to conservation architect Orla Kennelly for her invaluable advice, expertise and assistance in progressing this project to such an important milestone. “Orla Kennelly’s professional guidance and support have been greatly appreciated in helping the Linenhall envision and plan for the long-term conservation and future of its significant historic building,” she said.
“We look forward to protecting this shared piece of local history and ensuring that this remarkable building continues to serve the people of Mayo as a cultural and community resource for generations to come.”