Have your say for plans on one of Offaly's iconic buildings

AS part of the wider regeneration of Clara through the Clara Town Centre First (TCF) Plan, the Clara TCF Team, in partnership with Offaly County Council and under the guidance and directorship of the Town Regeneration Officer, has secured funding for the development of a design plan for the regeneration of the former Co-op building.

Now acquired by Offaly County Council, the building, ideally located in the heart of the town, and overlooking the River Brosna, will be transformed into a vibrant community space through the Town Centre First initiative. (Project within the Town Centre First Plan for Clara)

To guide this process, consultants, working alongside Offaly County Council and the Clara TCF Team, will host a public consultation on Wednesday, May 7 from 4pm to 7pm at the Old Bank Hall, Church Street, Clara. Everyone is welcome to drop in during this time to explore regeneration plans and share thoughts on how this landmark building could best serve the community of Clara.

Have your say and help shape the future of Clara.

A special children’s art competition is also being held in collaboration with local schools and educational institutions. Local artist Vincent Devine will judge the competition, with winners and prizes announced at 6pm.

If you are a property owner adjacent to the former Co-op or believe that your property may be directly affected by the development, please contact a member of Clara Town Team who will arrange for a dedicated one to one session with you in advance of the public event to share specific concerns or ideas in a more focused setting.

Young voices matter. A dedicated space and facilitator will be available during the public consultation to ensure that young people can meaningfully participate. ''This is your town, and your future,'' say the organisers.

''We acknowledge that regenerating Clara is a complex and lengthy process, involving multiple layers of bureaucracy and significant financial challenges. However, the Clara TCF Team in partnership with Offaly County Council and directed by our committed Town Regeneration Officer, is here for the long haul. We are determined to take on the challenging projects; and not to shy away from the most time consuming, slow moving and difficult projects, as these projects may be the projects with the greatest potential to make a lasting impact on Clara’s social and economic future.

To ensure that the regeneration reflects the needs and desires of our community, your voice is essential.Please make time to attend, share your ideas, voice your concerns, and help shape the future of Clara.''

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Helena McElmeel, Architects in partnership with Offaly County Council are preparing a concept for the refurbishment of the co-operative for use as a multi-purpose community space. The project team would like to get feedback from as many people as possible. The event takes place at the old Bank of Ireland building, Church Street, Clara on Wednesday May 7 from 4pm – 7pm

As part of this event a workshop for secondary school students will take place from 4pm.

People are being asked to complete an online survey at WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.COM/R/CLARACO-OP