Official construction works have commenced on the NCH Discover Centre, a major new project located at the Earlsfort Terrace site in Dublin.

The development represents the initial phase of a comprehensive masterplan to revitalise the National Concert Hall (NCH) campus, transforming it into a sustainable, world-class musical destination.

The project is being delivered by Purcell Construction, with the Office of Public Works (OPW) responsible for the design and management of the scheme. Funding for the development is provided by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport under the National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040.

Upon completion, scheduled for early 2027, the 1,400m² facility will feature:

• Two state-of-the-art recital spaces.

• Flexible rehearsal and workshop rooms.

• A dedicated Gamelan room.

• Enhanced universally accessible facilities.

The construction phase involves the sensitive restoration and renewal of a unique heritage building that previously served as the University College Dublin pathology department. This effort is part of a wider commitment to repurpose existing structures while maintaining the architectural integrity of the original 1865 Exhibition Palace.

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Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Kevin 'Boxer' Moran TD, commented: "The OPW has worked in partnership with the National Concert Hall (NCH) and the Department of Culture, Communication and Sport to advance the project to this significant stage. We are delighted to witness the commencement of these works, which will enable the NCH to offer additional, more accessible services and venues by creating new universal access spaces. Upon completion, this project will position the NCH as a world–class music destination and a leading national cultural institution."

He added that the OPW's partnership with the NCH will continue through the main redevelopment project, which is currently in the design phase of the Infrastructure Guidelines process.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, noted the importance of the milestone: "Today marks a key milestone in the evolution for the National Concert Hall and I want to thank the OPW, the Board and staff of the National Concert Hall for their commitment and passion in getting the project to this stage. The NCH Discover project will not only restore this unique heritage building which formerly housed the UCD Pathology department, it will put learning and engagement at the core of NCH's work and provide opportunities, in particular for young people, that will broaden the reach of the Concert Hall to new communities and audiences."

The Discover Centre will eventually house the NCH's Learning and Participation programmes, expanding the institution's capacity to host concerts, education programmes, and music-based health initiatives.