Completion of community hub on target in BJD

Work on the transformation of the former Percy French Hotel in Ballyjamesduff into a major new community hub is continuing to make steady progress, councillors were told at their recent Municipal District meeting.

Senior Executive Engineer Brendan McGourty provided members with an update on the ambitious redevelopment project, which is set to deliver a modern community, tourism and enterprise facility at the heart of the town. While some delays have arisen due to the discovery of additional asbestos at the front of the building, councillors heard that contractors remain confident of making up for lost time in the months ahead.

Mr McGourty said extensive groundwork operations are currently underway on the restricted town centre site. “Two thirds of the underpinning is done,” he explained, adding that the newly discovered asbestos was being removed safely and appropriately.

The engineer acknowledged that many local people will have noticed the large crane positioned outside the site along the footpath. “The crane installed at the front of the building will assist greatly with the movement of materials around what is an extremely restricted site in terms of access because the new building will occupy the full footprint of the original structure.”

Key milestones in the development have already been reached since contracts were signed in September 2025. Underpinning, reduced dig operations and foundation works are continuing. Councillors heard that activity on the site will become significantly more visible in the coming months as the project moves from the groundworks phase into construction. One of the most notable upcoming stages will be the installation of the glulam timber frame during the third quarter of 2026.

Other works scheduled for the months ahead include the completion of underpinning and foundation works in the coming weeks, underground service installations, reinforced concrete columns and lift shaft construction, along with the first phase of blockwork and brickwork. During the third quarter of 2026, contractors will also begin structural steel installation, precast slabs and stairs, as well as radon installation works.

Project completion remains on target for the third quarter of 2027.

The redevelopment of the former Percy French Hotel has generated significant public interest locally. Cllr T.P. O’Reilly (FG) thanked council officials for keeping them informed throughout the process. “It is greatly appreciated, people are always asking about the progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cllr Trevor Smith (FF) shared a lighter anecdote connected to the demolition works. Referring to an elderberry tree that had famously taken root and flowered in the chimney of the old building, he joked that there had been “arguments over who would get the Elderberry tree”. While declining to identify the individual who eventually retrieved it, he confirmed that the tree “had found a good home”.

The overall project will see the careful restoration and refurbishment of the original three-storey building along Dublin Street, including preservation of its historic front entrance. The refurbished structure will house office and meeting spaces along with a ground-floor café. The modern addition will include multipurpose community areas, enterprise units, conference and meeting rooms, office accommodation, kitchen facilities, storage areas, a central courtyard and passenger lifts.

Public realm improvements, including new seating along Stradone Street, are also planned as part of the wider vision to create a civic and social space in the centre of Ballyjamesduff.