Community hub proposal for former giftware premises in Mayo county town

A FORMER giftware shop in the heart of Castlebar is getting a new lease of life as a community hub for Rehab Group service users.

Planning permission has been granted for a change of use of part of the ground floor premises on Linenhall Street from commercial use to a community hub, with alterations to the existing layout.

Rehab intend to use the centre for training and educational use.

The premises previously operated as Kelleher's giftware and trophy centre and its redevelopment will comprise training, sensory and meeting rooms, along with a canteen.

Planners felt that the change of use was appropriate having regard to the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Centre town centre use across the road and also the Linenhall Arts Centre adjacent to it.

The new development will be a boost for Linenhall Street and the town centre.

The building in question has immense historical value and was a former public house.