Tender issued to transform 1867 Galway waterworks building into aquatic sports centre
The renovation of the old waterworks building in Galway city has gone to tender with a €2 million price tag.
The redevelopment of the historic 1867 Galway Corporation Waterworks building is now open to tender, with plans to transform it into an aquatic sports centre featuring a pontoon and rowing storage.
The redevelopment is expected to cost €2 million.
The site will be fully redeveloped with pedestrian walkways, drop-off areas, and completely new boundaries between the existing building and the grounds to the river.
Corrib sports engineering draw of redevelopment location and expansion.
The lands around the building will include a floating pontoon on the River Corrib as well as a pedestrian and cyclist greenway along the river.
In addition, the facility will have a gym and ergonomic training room to accommodate rowing and other aquatic sports. Changing rooms, drying rooms, function rooms, mother and baby rooms, as well as offices and meeting rooms are reflected in the plans as well.
The floating pontoon, approved with the plans submitted in 2024, will be a 10m by 2m floating steel platform set back from the riverbank and connected by a roller gangway. This will link the building with the riverside.
Fianna Fáil Galway West TD, John Connolly welcomed the advancement of the project, saying: “It will be a great asset to our city, which has a great tradition of rowing. The pontoon will add much visitor interest, and the Greenway will be welcomed by walkers and cyclists and hopefully encourage more people to take up such leisure and recreational activities.”
The waterworks building in Terryland, adjacent to the N6 and River Corrib, had been earmarked for redevelopment in August 2025, with funding from Fáilte Ireland under the second Platform for Growth Scheme.
Galway City Council Chief Executive Leonard Cleary said at the time: “To be recognised internationally as a world class activity destination, it is crucial that Galway invests in compelling activity infrastructure, the visitor experience, and building the capacity of activity providers.”
“The development of this facility will ensure the Galway tourism experience meets and exceeds all users’ expectations, including the enhancement of accessibility and improving participation for people with disabilities and older adults.”
The deadline for the submission of tenders by companies interested in the construction work is June 15.