CORK’S former archives building looks set to get a new lease of life as a theatre.
City manager Joe Gavin is preparing a report for councillors that will suggest the historic Chirstchurch building on South Main Street, next to Bishop Lucey Park, be handed over to the Triskel Arts Centre to manage it on behalf of the council.
It is expected the building, which closed last year when the archives transferred to a new hi-tech purpose-built facility in Blackpool, will be refurbished for use as a theatre and performance space.
Mr Gavin said it was still early days and it was too early to discuss costs.
But he said his report should be completed and ready for presentation to councillors within three weeks.
The news comes just weeks after the city secured another new cultural venue.
The Tigh Filí art group will become the anchor tenant of a cultural and community centre to be developed at St Luke’s Church.
The former Church of Ireland premises was bought by the local authority for almost €700,000.
Meanwhile, talks are continuing to find a permanent home in Cork for the prestigious Ceol traditional music and culture exhibition.
The collection, which is now in storage, has been secured by the city.
Mr Gavin said he is hopeful that talks between the board of management of the Firkin Crane centre in Shandon will result in the exhibition being housed there. It would serve as an ideal attraction to the Shandon area, which the council is anxious to market as Cork’s cultural centre.
Eoin English
© Irish Examiner
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