Architects
DLR awarded €7million to Progress Centre for Creative Lifelong Learning
17 September 2025
Dun Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to announce that it has been awarded €7 million in capital funding under Strand 2 of the THRIVE – Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme. This significant investment will support the development of a Centre for Creative Lifelong Learning in Dún Laoghaire.
The project will focus on the renovation and adaptive reuse of two vacant protected structures located at the corner of George’s Place and Kelly’s Avenue. These heritage buildings will be transformed into a vibrant educational centre, retaining their unique character while meeting the needs of a modern, inclusive learning environment and represents a major step forward in the revitalisation of Dún Laoghaire’s town centre. The project will enhance the public realm, improve accessibility and energy efficiency and in addition preserve and celebrate the architectural heritage of the site.
Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council highlighted:
“We are committed to ensuring that this new centre becomes a place where people feel inspired and included. It will be a welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to learn, share ideas, and connect. By transforming these historic buildings into a hub for creativity and lifelong learning, we are investing in the wellbeing, resilience, and future of our community. The centre will also revitalise the town centre by bringing activity and footfall to the area — strengthening its role as a vibrant and inclusive place for everyone."
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
"This is a transformative project for Dún Laoghaire, and a flagship example of how heritage-led regeneration can breathe new life into the town centres. The Centre for Creative Lifelong Learning will not only preserve and celebrate our built heritage, but also create a welcoming space for education, creativity, and community connection for generations to come”.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council received THRIVE Strand 1 funding to carry out an Integrated Urban Study titled “Reimagining George's Place – Revitalising through Reuse”. This study focused on the reuse of two protected structures; No. 9 George’s Place built in 1831 as a hotel and the former Wash House dating from 1910. The study incorporated extensive public engagement, including an online survey and drop-in workshops held in October 2024. These consultations helped shape the vision for the buildings’ future use and the outcome of the study was a proposal for a Centre for Creative Lifelong Learning, which reflects the core values of the New European Bauhaus – sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion – and integrates community feedback into the final design. DLR Architects Department developed the design to Part 8 planning stage and following approval of Part 8 planning at the Council meeting earlier this year, the Strand 2 application for capital works funding was submitted. The successful award of €7 million Strand 2 funding will enable the transformation of these significant heritage buildings into a vibrant, inclusive space for lifelong learning and community engagement.
This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, and aligns with the Town Centre First Framework, promoting a citizen-centred, community-led approach to urban regeneration.
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