Kildare County Council secured the site from parish of St Patrick and St Brigid and will progress with exciting plans to redevelop the building as a major community facility.
The vision is that this key, town-centre site will house a new multi-purpose community facility including a library and cultural centre, meeting spaces, a playground, outdoor performance location, sensory garden and outdoor amenities for all ages in Celbridge.
Sonya Kavanagh, Interim Chief Executive of Kildare County Council, said: "Offering accessibility for all, this central location at the heart of the town, will provide for the recreational, cultural, educational needs and wellbeing of the community in one cultural campus. The development and repurposing of this significant building will fit with the historic traditions of the site – as a supporter and provider of community strength, learning, compassion and culture."
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Marian Higgins, Interim Director of Services, Kildare County Council commented: "The development of a new library, cultural centre and community space will play a transformative role in the town's confidence, capacity and sustainable growth while helping to support the economic, cultural and recreational life of the community."
Cathaoirleach of the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District, Cllr Joe Neville added: "The future development of a Library, Cultural Centre and Community amenities will provide a new use for this significant building at the heart of the town while preserving its important history and heritage. In addition, this accessible cultural and community space will significantly increase footfall to the Main Street and will act as a catalyst for commercial growth in the town."
