A CHANCE find during work on a site in Nicholas Street in Limerick City almost two decades ago of a medieval fireplace led this week to funding of €6.5million to create a hub for artists and craftspeople.
Limerick City and County Council has welcomed the announcement of more than €6.5m to transform the historic fireplace site on Nicholas Street into a design and innovation hub to be known as the Forge Design Factory.
The funding is through the government’s THRIVE scheme (Town Centre First Heritage Revival), co-funded by the EU through the European Regional Development Fund.
The project will see the regeneration of buildings at 35–39 Nicholas Street, incorporating the surviving medieval fireplace and historic fabric into a new educational and innovative design hub.
The structure will include the historic walls, with works involving the erection of a new part two-storey, part single-storey building incorporating the upstanding walls of the original medieval home.
The Forge Design Factory will provide space for artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and visitors, including studios, exhibition, and retail areas, and a café/restaurant, with the aim of creating a vibrant destination at the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Quarter.
The project has already been granted planning permission, following approval by Limerick City and County Councillors earlier this year, and there has also been positive engagement with the King’s Island community.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran welcomed the funding announcement, saying the council has “big plans for King’s Island”.
“The revival of the fireplace site is another spark to ignite a wider revival of Nicholas Street and our medieval quarter, along with plans for King John’s Castle, the fashion incubator, and the TUS plans on Mary Street just announced.
“The Forge Design Factory will breathe new life into one of our most historic streets.”
The Mayor thanked “the government, ERDF, and the Southern Regional Assembly for believing us about the importance of this project and allocating funding to it”.
Council Príomh Comhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, said that the “awarding of €6.5million through THRIVE represents a major vote of confidence in Limerick City and County Council’s vision for Nicholas Street”.
“The councillors’ decision to grant planning permission was a critical step in unlocking this opportunity. The Forge Design Factory will attract talent, create opportunities for enterprise, and bring renewed energy into the Medieval Quarter.”
Council Director General, Dr Pat Daly, stated that “the Forge Design Factory at the fireplace site is an ambitious and forward-looking project that aligns with our broader plans for Limerick’s city centre”.
“By combining heritage conservation with innovation and design, this project will deliver real social, cultural, and economic benefits.”
Among those welcoming the announcement was Minister of State and Limerick City Fine Gael TD, Kieran O’Donnell, who said that “the project can proceed to design and tender for construction as planning permission has been already granted”.
“I wish to commend all at Limerick City and County Council on progressing this very worthwhile project for Limerick City.”
