Contractor PJ Hegarty and Sons has been appointed for the redevelopment of Cork's Crawford Art Gallery.

The comprehensive redevelopment, master-planned by Grafton Architects, constitutes a substantial undertaking under the National Development Plan. It represents a once-in-a-multi-generation commitment by the State to renovate and conserve the important heritage building situated in Cork City Centre.

The primary goal of this project is to create an expanded and fully revitalised Crawford Gallery, establishing it as a significant artistic and cultural asset for Ireland, centrally located in Cork City. This milestone finally brings to fruition a scheme that has been in the planning stages for numerous years. Furthermore, the redevelopment is poised to support the regeneration of Cork's City Centre, boosting and strengthening the city's cultural standing locally, nationally, and internationally.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, accompanied by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan, and Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, welcomed the project.

Speaking at the Crawford Art Gallery, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated: "Today marks a significant step in the redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery which is many years in the making.

"It is vitally important that we invest in our country's cultural infrastructure. This investment demonstrates that Government is committed to enhancing the cultural lives of our citizens through our National Cultural Institutions.

"The redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery is set to deliver a landmark building in Cork that will enhance the city centre and cultural life in Cork, Munster and nationally."

-- Advertisement --

The building, which began its life in 1724 as a Custom House, has since operated as a School of Art, a municipal art gallery, and a National Cultural Institution. Having continuously grown and adapted, the current redevelopment signifies another critical chapter in its history.

PJ Hegarty is scheduled to begin work on site in early 2026, with the project expected to be completed in mid-2028. The subsequent phase will involve the gallery fit-out, commissioning, and re-occupation before its grand public opening.

Welcoming the start of the project, Minister Patrick O'Donovan commented: "The National Cultural Institution (NCI) Investment Programme remains a key investment programme for my Department. I am delighted that as the only National Cultural Institution located entirely outside of Dublin, implementation of the Crawford Art Gallery redevelopment can now begin.

"My Department, along with the OPW and the Crawford Art Gallery have been working towards this day for many years, so it was with great satisfaction that I recently approved the awarding of the contracts. Following the tricentenary of the building in 2024, it is timely that this historic site once again reinvents itself."

Minister of State Kevin 'Boxer' Moran highlighted the operational improvements: "I am delighted to be here today to witness this significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Crawford Art Gallery. The commencement of the refurbishment works on this historic building will provide a fit for purpose set of galleries and complementary facilities.

"The much-needed redevelopment will provide a universally accessible and environmentally sustainable space that will serve to enhance the Crawford Art Gallery Cork experience and the wider local environment. This is an exciting project that will bring culture and urban life closer together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Crawford Art Gallery for their continued collaboration in progressing this significant cultural project."

Rose McHugh, Chair of Crawford Art Gallery, called the moment "very significant,": "The ambitious and well considered redevelopment will ensure that the Gallery remains at the heart of the cultural life of Cork and Ireland for generations to come. "We extend our gratitude to An Taoiseach, to Minister O'Donovan and his officials at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, to the Office of Public Works and to the entire project team for their steadfast support throughout every stage of Transforming Crawford Art Gallery."

Mary McCarthy, Director of the Gallery, concluded: "This is an exciting moment for everyone who loves Crawford Art Gallery. The actual start on site of this redevelopment marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter - one that will deliver renewed and expanded spaces for visitors, artists, and future generations to enjoy and be inspired by. We are ambitious for Cork, the region, and the impact that culture can contribute to city centre and regional vibrancy.

"We are grateful to the Minister and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for their leadership, to the OPW and to the project team for their collaboration and support. Their expertise will shape a gallery that will stand as a vibrant cultural landmark for the people of Cork and for all who come to experience its magic in the years ahead."