Former barracks to become centre of excellence

THE military barracks in Castlebar is to be transformed into a signature visitor attraction and centre of excellence in design, artisan food and crafts in an investment of €350,000.

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny today announced a sum of €150,000 towards the ambitious scheme and images of what the new facility will look like have been furnished to The Connaught Telegraph.

The project will significantly improve enterprise facilities for creative enterprises in the county as well as providing a much needed all-weather venue for local food markets and festivals.

It also has the potential to be a significant national demonstration project and provide an example of best practice in the development of rural economic development measures.

The master plan will also turn the facility into a regionally important creative hub and visitor attraction offering great potential for Castlebar to create high value jobs, retain and attract highly qualified young people and elevate the town to a centre of regional importance and excellence.

The proposed project will include vibrant and inspiring public realm within the barracks, collaborative apace for the development of the creative industries, indoor and outdoor food markets for local artisan and speciality foods and drinks and events space for community and enterprises.

It is planned to open the facility as early as next January and hold food and craft markets every weekend of the year and daily during the summer period. It will provide five co-working spaces in 2016 as well as staging ten major community events in the facility in 2016. Up to 50,000 visitors are anticipated in its first year of operation and 150,000 by year three.