Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has secured €7 million in capital funding to deliver the Centre for Creative Lifelong Learning in Dún Laoghaire.

The project involves the renovation and adaptive reuse of two vacant protected structures at the corner of George's Place and Kelly's Avenue. These heritage buildings, originally constructed as a hotel in 1831 and a wash house in 1910, will be refurbished and adapted to provide a modern, fully accessible learning facility.

The scheme will retain the architectural character of the buildings while bringing them up to contemporary standards in terms of energy efficiency, accessibility, and usability. The works will also improve the surrounding public realm and contribute to the wider regeneration of the town centre.

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."

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Designs were prepared by DLR's Architects Department, progressing to Part 8 planning stage before approval earlier this year. The proposals were informed by an Integrated Urban Study, carried out under earlier THRIVE Strand 1 funding, which explored options for reuse and incorporated extensive community consultation. Feedback from these studies helped shape the final design, ensuring the redevelopment aligns with the principles of sustainability, inclusion, and long-term adaptability.

The successful award of Strand 2 capital funding will now allow construction works to proceed, ensuring the preservation of these listed buildings while delivering new community infrastructure.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, added: "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."

The project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, and forms part of the Town Centre First Framework, which supports community-led urban regeneration.