Renovated historic hall in Offaly could open by end of year as work continues

Renovation work is continuing on the historic Fiesta Hall in Kilcormac and the builders are saying that it's possible that their work might be finished before the end of 2024.

Extensive work has been carried out on the building, including the installation of a roof, the removal of a side building and reflooring work. It's also been decided to move the main entrance to the building from the western to the eastern side, to facilitate car parking spaces.

Fiesta Hall is a large space and it's planned to completely fill it with office space for Green Offaly, co-working space, and research space.

Offaly County Council granted planning permission for the Fiesta Hall project, which is being called “Fiesta - Green HQ”, in May 2022, and the permission was for “the carrying out of works (building, demolition and alterations) to the existing Hall; the refurbishment making material changes of its use to an educational, training and employment resource as a Green HQ for County Offaly; venue for outdoor public events; two accessible car parking spaces and e-charging point in the existing parking area.”

The plan is to make the building "a Green Enterprise hub and Climate Action Centre, with a lecture theatre, conference facilities and fixed and remote working space.”

When completed, the new facility will be used to “deliver training, education and research programmes in green skills, sustainability, climate change and community regeneration. Community and visitor facilities will include a coffee house, dance space, workshops, events and exhibitions.”

The Fiesta Ballroom was a cinema and dance hall in the 1960s. In more recent times it hosted bingo, drama and other community events, as well as regular district court sittings.

The Hall has been out of use for about six years and is in reasonable condition. The estimated total cost is €1.8 million. It's a Just Transition Project led by OLDC with additional support and funds from the Trench Trust and Offaly County Council – Town and Village Renewal.

The architect for the project is Sally Starbuck of Gaia Ecotecture.