Present at the contract signing were in the front row l-r Ann Dillon, Director of Services, Cllr Frank Moran, Cathaoirleach of OCC, Peter Lyons, Kenny Lyons Associates, Evan Fennell SEO, OCC, Anna Marie Delaney, CE of Offaly County CouncilBack row l-r Justin Murtagh, Executive Engineer, OCC, Olwen Cummins, Town Regeneration Officer, OCC, Brian Flynn, Chairman of An Síolán, Ferbane, Cllr Eamon Dooley.

Regeneration of Ferbane convent takes step forward

The planned regeneration of St Joseph's Convent in Ferbane has taken a massive step forward this week.

Offaly County Council in partnership with An Síolán, community group in Ferbane, are pleased to announce the contract signing for an architect led multi-disciplinary design team, Kenny Lyons Associates to design the refurbishment and redevelopment of St Joseph’s Convent, ancillary buildings and grounds for use as a multipurpose community, enterprise and learning hub.

The development also includes the large site and gardens associated with the convent grounds for use as an urban garden and walking trails by the River Brosna.

In consultation with Offaly County Council and An Síolán, Kenny Lyons Associates will engage and consult with residents, communities and businesses throughout the design process of St. Joseph’s Convent and grounds over the coming months.

It is envisaged that the design process will reimagine the potential reuse of St Joseph’s Convent into a modern, energy efficient building for multi-purpose community use.

The aim of the project is to secure the long-term future use of this historical, landmark building in Ferbane which was once a centre for educational and religious activity and become a key catalyst building to assist rejuvenating the town centre.