Breathing new life into the Bridewell

- Veronica Corr -

“You could hear a pin drop!” Cllr Peter Conlon (FG) said of the presentation by Cooney Architects on the long-derelict Bridewell building in Carrickmacross, at last week’s meeting of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District.

“Based on the Bridewell Palace in London, it wasn’t really a prison – some people paid to be there!” conservation architect Frank Cooney explained, setting the scene for his compelling pitch. Referring to a map from 1862, he explained that the Bridewell was built in two phases, north and south. Completed in 1833, it has two outdoor courtyards.

Inside the historic protected structure are rooms of between 10-40 square metres, the upstairs mirrored downstairs. The footprint of the building is outlined by thick walls. The building’s features and original fabric will be preserved. However, universal toilets and lifts will be a necessary addition. The Bridewell has a beautiful existing staircase. Best conservation practice was to “build on the layers of time”, Mr Cooney continued.

There is a vacant lot beside the Bridewell, which could facilitate a timber extension, maximising natural light, used for modern elements and larger spaces. An initial cost estimated renovating the existing building at €1.8M, with the same amount required for the new adjoining build.

Mr Cooney added that the best way to futureproof a building was to make it multipurpose. The courtyard space would lend itself to live music performances. The architect proposed replacing the existing steel gate with a decorative one, so that passers-by could see into the inviting courtyards. There was potential for the space in front of the building too. This project formed part of the Carrickmacross Town Centre First plan.

A needs analysis suggested future uses for the building including: A youth café, toy library, Children’s Famine Centre, community centre, childcare service, library, community energy hub, an arts and crafts studio, outreach service and artisan food shop.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are also key to the future of the building. Mr Cooney confirmed that a contractor is clearing out the building so that it can be surveyed properly.

Cathaoirleach Paul Gibbons (SF) thanked Frank Cooney and his colleague Nadine Buckley for their creative vision, which underlined the importance of restoring buildings from a state of neglect. Cllr Gibbons referred to the library in Castleblayney as an example of what is possible.

Cllr Peter Conlon commented: “The level of buy-in suggests that this is something people want to see. I’m glad to see the detail and the addition of the courtyards give great scope for community use. This is a win for everyone. It’s good for the regeneration of the town, footfall, commerce, Tidy Towns etc. This is an exciting project for Carrickmacross, which I have championed from the start.”

Commenting that he was glad to hear the word sustainability used, Cllr. PJ O’Hanlon (FF) observed that it wasn’t too hard to get capital funds, but the MD had to make sure the doors stayed open. He listed practical concerns including lack of parking outside the Bridewell and the heavy vehicular flow past it. He suggested that, if some businesses wanted to move from C:TEK I or II, that would be a double win. “The last thing we want is to be cutting the tape and six months later you can’t get in … we have to have income coming in to keep this going.”

Sinn Fein’s Colm Carthy (SF) recalled that part of the Bridewell used to be a garage, while the rest of it fell into disrepair. He was interested in seeing life brought back into this very visible, prominent building. The next step is to determine viability, so it wouldn’t become a drain on the annual budget.

He suggested that the MD talk to potential stakeholders to see what they can bring to and get out of the project. “I’d like to see two future uses for it, so we don’t pigeonhole ourselves. This building is iconic. We can do something with it that will benefit the whole community.”

“It’s exciting to see plans to revitalise this landmark that has been just sitting there a lifetime. Town centres are under pressure, bringing iconic buildings back is a good news story,” Cllr Noel Keelan (SF) said.

He suggested that expressions of interest be sought from potential tenants, observing that start-ups still need facilities. Also, people providing services across the globe, who could now work closer to home, might be looking for office space with connectivity. He said it would be nice to see the lights on in that part of town and the land behind Bank of Ireland mentioned during the presentation utilised.

Cllr Aidan Campbell (FG) complimented the MD Executive on acquiring the Bridewell, adding that great work in tackling dereliction is taking place countywide. He mentioned that the appearance of buildings is noted annually in the Tidy Towns adjudicator reports.

Cllr Gibbons stated that the elected members and MD Executive were 100% behind the plan.

Mr Cooney concluded by agreeing with all the points raised, adding that it’s important to get the balance right. Flexibility is key to keeping the lights on. “It’s important to address needs under the three Cs: Commercial, Community and Cultural,” he concluded.