Drogheda’s West Gate House upgrade set to cost €10 million
The Drogheda IndependentA multi-functional cultural and community hub is in the pipeline for West Gate House, Drogheda, following a €7million award under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE).
Drogheda Borough District councillors warmly welcomed the funding for the regeneration of West Gate House, and the former Drogheda Youth Development building on West Street.
Speaking at the October monthly meeting, Mayor Michelle Hall congratulated the council’s Capital Delivery team on the successful application.
Cllr. Paddy McQuillan said the newly refurbished Westgate House will be “a great asset for the area.”
Cllr. Declan Power said the award was a “fantastic achievement” and asked what progress had been made on behalf of Culture Connect, if alternative accommodation had been found.
At a previous meeting, councillors were told Culture Connect will be invited back into Westgate House when works are complete.
Louth County Council Director of Services, David Jones, told the meeting that this a key milestone in the project. He added that the maximum fund available had been awarded
He said work was ongoing with Culture Connect to arrange suitable accommodation while works are being carried out.
The regeneration of West Gate House has been mooted by Louth County Council as “a unique opportunity to address vacancy and dereliction while preserving Drogheda’s built heritage.”
The proposed development will include a multi-functional cultural and community hub, featuring exhibition and performance spaces, artist studios, digital media facilities, and meeting rooms.
The project was identified as a priority within the Drogheda Urban Regeneration Strategy and aligns with the Louth County Development Plan, as well as national frameworks, such as Project Ireland 2040 and the National Planning Framework.
Total investment in the West Gate project is estimated at approximately €10 million, with the balance to be provided by Louth County Council.