THE former Franciscan church has a useful role to play in the social, economic, cultural and educational rejuvenation of Limerick’s city centre, according to its owners.
The Limerick Post has been exclusively informed by Stephen Rourke of the Bonaventure Trust, gifted the property by the Franciscan Order, that activities and events within the building could eaily be identified.
In a statement the Trust states that “the building could become a catalyst for positive change and could attract many hundreds of people to the civic and cultural events which might be organised.
“The Bonaventure Trust believes that the Franciscan building could be developed into an ideal venue for concerts, exhibitions, civic events, talks/lectures, product launches, educational activities”.
The church can accommodate up to 400 people, whilst the friary comprises 20 rooms which can be rented out to local groups and individuals.
The Trust has just recently decided to adopt a twintrack approach towards the future development of the building.
“On the one hand, it will aim to achieve its medium-to-long term vision of creating a magnificent civic and public venue and on the other hand, it will also progress a shorter term strategy of renting out rooms to groups and individuals who are looking for city centre space in order to pursue their particular interests,” explains Mr Rourke.
At present 13 out of the 20 rooms in the friary have been rented out as studio space, for visual arts, music rehearsal studios; workshop space for craft workers; space for counsellors and psychotherapists; incubation space for people developing new ideas and products.
“There is an enormous amount of creativity and energy within the building and the potential for a whole range of dynamic collaborations to take place between the tenants who have begun to occupy space within the building in recent times,” Mr Rourke told this reporter.
A Christmas Crafts Market will be held in the church on Friday, December, 16 and Sunday, December 18.
The market will accommodate 40 stands and stalls and local craftworkers who are interested in participating are invited to attend an information meeting in the church on Henry Street at 4pm on Thursday, November 17.
Meanwhile, Cllr Joe Leddin suggests it should be considered as an alternative home for the Jim Kemmy Museum in Castle Lane.
“It is great building that is totally under utilised and while the late Jim Kemmy might not like his name attached to a church, I think we should give serious consideration to the building for the museum”.
