Hub study for Market House

The potential of the former B & F Stores and adjacent Market House in Ballinagh is set to be teased out in a long-awaited feasibility study expected to begin by the end of the summer.

Breffni Integrated CLG, trading as Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), recently completed the tender process on behalf of the Cavan Local Action Group (LAG) to appoint a consultant to carry out the study.

The study will examine the level of interest among local stakeholders, identify the most appropriate model for developing the project, and also outline the investment needed to bring the plan to fruition.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Chief Executive of CCLD, Terry Hyland, said the project is now moving into its next phase.

“The study will examine the most suitable long-term use for the property and explore a range of possibilities,” he explained.

Potential uses include an arts and crafts centre, creative industries, social enterprise initiatives and other community-focused projects that could generate economic and social benefits for the town and surrounding area.

Mr Hyland said the consultant will assess the condition of the buildings, estimate refurbishment costs, undertake public consultation where appropriate and determine whether additional redevelopment is viable. In doing so, the consultant will also examine similar projects elsewhere in the country to identify successful operating models.

Nearby projects of a similar scale include the Workhouse in Carrickmacross, and the recently opened Market House in Ballyconnell.

“It's one thing filling the property,” said Mr Hyland. “But you'll also have to manage it afterwards, so it's important to understand how these types of projects operate successfully.”

The former B & F Stores building was purchased by Cavan County Council in July 2023 using funding secured through the Department of Rural and Community Development's Town and Village Renewal Scheme Building Acquisition Measure.

Among the ideas previously suggested was the development of a food hub, providing shared workspace and commercial kitchen facilities for local food producers and culinary entrepreneurs.

Mr Hyland explained that CCLD became involved because local authorities often partner with community organisations to develop and manage strategic buildings.

“We're working with Cavan County Council to explore the possibilities for the site,” Mr Hyland confirmed.

Depending on what the feasibility study recommends, Mr Hyland is confident both or either of the buildings have the potential to become important community assets capable of attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and community organisations, once brought back into use.

“We're simply trying to establish the building's potential,” Mr Hyland said of this still early stage. “Once we have that information, we'll be in a much better position to decide the next steps.”