Councillors give go-ahead for revamp of historic North Tipperary cinema

THE councillors of Nenagh Municipal District gave the go-ahead to the exciting project planned for the historic Rialto cinema during their January meeting.
The Councillors passed the Part 8 stage of the undertaking, which means the next step is raising millions of Euros for the proposed works.
Architect Robin Lee told the meeting that the cinema, which is located in Banba Square, Nenagh, will be repurposed into an innovation and enterprise centre. He said there's 1,324 square metres of internal space and the main staircase is a fine feature.
A couple of the councillors initially expressed their reservations about the development during the meeting but after a lengthy discussion they said they'd be OK with it proceeding. Cllr Hughie McGrath said local community groups, such as the town's A-Team (for people with Autism) should be allowed to use the premises and he didn't see why the Council executive should be objecting to that.
He was also concerned that the Garda Station, which is next door, might be downsized. “The Garda Station is currently too small and they need to expand. Perhaps they will view the Rialto development in a negative light and will feel more boxed in by it, therefore making them downsize the station?
“I'm also concerned that the period for digital hubs and hot desks has passed and people are thinking more about returning to the pre-Covid office set-up.
“What we do with the Rialto will have a huge impact on Nenagh's future and I want to make sure we get it right.”
Cllr John Carroll said he's very supportive of the project.
Cllr Seamus Morris was also worried the digital hub and hot desk concept was no longer relevant.
Cllr Joe Hannigan thought it's a good project and will attract SMEs. “I'm ready to make the leap of faith.”
Cllr Michael O'Meara said it's possibly one of the most ambitious projects ever proposed for Nenagh.
Cllr Ger Darcy said he agreed with the overall concept. Cllr Fiona Bonfield said she thinks it's a very positive project.
Marcus O'Connor, Director of Services, pointed out that the Rialto hasn't been used as a performance space for 40 to 50 years. “If the County Council hadn't purchased it I think it would still be empty. At least we have a plan and a vision. The emphasis in the world now is changing from hot desks to small enterprise units, to start-ups of four to eight people. The architect has factored that into his design. The core principle of the design is flexibility.
“We have had discussions with Enterprise Ireland, who are a very important player in this. It will cost millions to upgrade it. We are making a business plan to Enterprise Ireland. We do believe that the business plan will stack up. We feel this development will breathe life into that part of the town and we believe we could see 200 people working there.”
Rosemary Joyce of the Council Executive said the focus has shifted from the hot desk concept that was previously proposed for the project and it's now being called an innovation and enterprise centre. "We are now talking about start-ups rather than hot desks."
She pointed out that Enterprise Ireland visited the site. “They are very supportive and positive. The closing date to submit the business plan to them is March 31st. We bought the site because we didn't want to see it left empty and derelict.
“We think voluntary organisations like the A-Team and Men's Shed are wonderful but we won't get funding to create a building for voluntary organisations. I am always open to liaising with voluntary organisations who are seeking to find a space in the town.”
Cllr Seamus Morris proposed they proceed with the project. Cllr John Carroll seconded.