Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne has announced that €7 million in funding has been awarded to Kerry County Council for the sustainable adaptive reuse of Ashe Memorial Hall through THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, THRIVE empowers local authorities to reimagine and adapt heritage buildings to create useful, vibrant and sustainable cultural and community hubs. THRIVE isn’t just restoring buildings, it’s nurturing a new design ethos in Irish town regeneration, combining Europe’s green vision with local energy and ambition.

Ashe Memorial Hall, one of Ireland’s most historic heritage buildings, is set to undergo a major refurbishment to transform it into a multi-purpose civic facility with a redesigned museum, an immersive medieval experience, and a new community roof sanctuary garden that will provide spectacular views of the surrounding area and, as Kerry County Council phrased it, “connects land, air and sea with this iconic civil landmark building in the heart of Tralee”.

The construction of Ashe Memorial Hall commenced in 1924 and was officially opened in 1928, standing as one of the earliest civic buildings constructed under the Irish Free State. The building symbolises National pride and cultural resilience and it’s prominent location reinforces its architectural and symbolic significance. As it approaches its centenary in 2028, this landmark project will honour its remarkable legacy while preparing it for a new chapter.

Although currently in use, the building is considerably underutilised and will be reimagined to provide upgraded civic, educational, and cultural spaces that better serve the needs of the community. The refurbishment will incorporate improved accessibility for all and sustainability measures embedding the values of the New European Bauhaus while preserving and enhancing its historic character, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of civic life for generations to come.

This ambitious transformation will create a welcoming and inclusive hub for learning, culture, and community life in the heart of Kerry, reflecting a citizen-led vision for regeneration that places heritage, innovation, and public engagement at the centre of the county’s future.

THRIVE demonstrates how strategic investment can ignite local regeneration, bringing design, innovation and community vision together under the New European Bauhaus approach and Town Centre First policy.

A number of projects have been awarded funding through this competitive funding call, local authorities demonstrated how citizen and community engagement determined the most beneficial end use for these buildings. Other successfully funded projects include the transformation of disused libraries, barracks, halls and banks into multi-functional community hubs, museums and event spaces, some of which even have roof gardens for the public to enjoy.

Speaking about the funding award, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Fearghal Reidy said “We are delighted to welcome this significant €7 million investment through the THRIVE scheme, which will enable the sustainable renewal of Ashe Memorial Hall. This project will breathe new life into one of Tralee’s most important heritage buildings.”   

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Mike Foley

“I warmly welcome this investment for the sustainable renewal of Ashe Memorial Hall, one of the most recognisable buildings in Kerry. Through THRIVE, we are not only preserving our heritage and the home of the Kerry County Museum but reimagining it as focal point in the centre of Tralee. This funding is a powerful vote of confidence in the future of our towns and the people who bring them to life.”

THRIVE is shaping a more beautiful, sustainable and inclusive future for Ireland’s town-centres. Projects funded under THRIVE are required to embrace the values of the New European Bauhaus, incorporating sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion. The initiative also encourages a citizen-centred, community-led approach to planning, design, and project selection within the Town Centre First framework.

 The projects are expected to start in late 2025 and will deliver long-lasting benefits for the local communities.

 THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 21-27. The scheme has been co-designed by the Regional Assemblies and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address European, national and regional policy objectives. Further information is available on the www.southernassembly.ie

For more information on Kerry THRIVE, please visit https://www.kerrycoco.ie/town-centre-first-heritage-revival-scheme/