Gorey Market House

2025 marks the beginning of a transformative renovation for The Gorey Market House, as work gets underway to restore this historic building to its former glory. Rooted in community, this restoration will breathe new life into the space, creating a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends heritage with modern sustainable amenities, enhancing Gorey’s cultural and social landscape.

The Gorey Market House Project aims to create a vibrant cultural hub, conserving the heritage of the building while providing a dynamic relaxing space for arts, and cultural activities with spaces for markets, exhibitions, tourism.  This project is a collaboration between Wexford County Council, the Southern Regional Assembly, the Irish State and the European Union, local community groups, and cultural organisations, working together to restore and repurpose this iconic building for the town of Gorey.

 


  

   
 

Funding

This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the Eurpoean Union, through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021 - 27 and Wexford County Council.

 

Aims & Objectives

  • Restore and protect Gorey’s Market House, reinstating its role as a cultural and historical landmark while incorporating the adjacent historic graveyard.
  • Develop a thriving town centre with a blend of markets, community function rooms, a concert venue, and multi-purpose spaces.
  • Enhance public spaces, making Gorey a more attractive place to live, work, and visit while boosting both the daytime and nighttime economy.
  • Create an inclusive, affordable, and sustainable community facility that aligns with principles of equality, environmental responsibility, and carbon reduction.
  • Improve town centre connectivity by prioritising pedestrian and cyclist access, including cycling infrastructure and mobility scooter charging points.
  • Establish a high-quality, universally accessible public space linked to Gorey’s broader network of green areas, fostering social interaction and well-being.
  • Promote biodiversity and green infrastructure through designated biodiversity zones within the plaza.
  • Strengthen Gorey’s appeal as a hub for employment, retail, cultural, and recreational activities.
  • Unlock a key redevelopment site in the town centre, generating new community and economic opportunities.
  • Ensure the goals and recommendations of the project under the New European Bauhaus Values and Principles in being Transformative and Encouraging a Cultural Shift to Sustainable Place-Based Living are achieved.
  • Enrich Gorey’s cultural landscape with enhanced facilities and public programming
  • Foster a sense of pride and identity within the community.

 

New European Bauhaus

The Gorey Market House Restoration Project is being delivered through the NEB principles in consultation with the local community.

New European Bauhaus Principles:

Beautiful: “quality of experience and style beyond functionality.”

Sustainable: “from climate goals to circularity, zero pollution, and biodiversity”

Together: “from valuing diversity to securing accessibility and affordability”

 

In line with the New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First methodologies a multi-disciplinary team has been assembled by the Council to ensure the elements of urban design, creative artistic practice, science, circular and sustainable engineering solutions, biodiversity and the needs of a rich and diverse community are delivered to an exemplary standard through the lifetime of the project and beyond.

Learn more about the New European Bauhaus principles here.

 

Progress Updates:

April 2024: Formation of multi-disciplinary project team

May 2024: Application lodged for funding under the SRA THRIVE programme

July 2024: Part 8 Planning Permission granted

October 2024: Funding agreement formally signed

November 2024: EU Capacity building event in Limerick

November 2024: Formation of Communications Team

December 2024: Tender for Integrated Design Team to deliver project

January 2025: Delivery of project communications plan

February 2025: Tender assessment

 

Outcomes
Once completed, the Gorey Market House Project will provide a beautifully restored space that enhances Gorey’s cultural and economic landscape. It will serve as a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and social connection, supporting the local community and visitors alike. The revitalisation of the Market House will not only preserve an important historical landmark but also contribute to Gorey’s continued growth and vibrancy.