Protected Tipperary church building could be turned into boutique restaurant
A former church in Tipperary could soon become a restaurant, rather than a place of worship, under plans before Tipperary County Council.
Camida Ltd applied to the local authority for planning permission to change the use of the former Fintan Kennedy Hall Methodist church on Anglesea Street in Clonmel into a restaurant.
The plans would see the overall use of the building – which is a protected structure – changed, as well as the demolition of an existing single-storey office extension and the construction of a new single-storey extension to create a separate dining room, restaurant entrance and toilets, kitchen and staff areas.
Extensive conservation works would also be carried out, which would allow for the upgrade, stabilisation and maintenance of the structure, planning files show.
The development will “represent a planning and conservation gain for Clonmel,” an agent acting on behalf of Camida said.
"Camida purchased the former church with the intention of creating a beautiful dining space within the historic setting creating an opportunity to deliver a premier hospitality offering deeply embedded in the architectural, social and cultural heritage of Clonmel,” they added.
The former church was first built between 1900 and 1905, serving as a Methodist church until 1954.
Under the proposed plans, the new restaurant would have space for 12 people, and would offer an “exceptional” hospitality facility.
"The adaptive reuse of Fintan Kennedy Hall as a modern boutique restaurant, if guided by the principles and strategies outlined above, offers a transformative opportunity for Clonmel,” the agent said.
Tipperary County Council planners are expected to make a decision on the plans by April 9.