Contracts Signed For Redevelopment Midlands Courthouse

It will be turned into a Community and Digital Enterprise Hub.

The redevelopment of a midlands courthouse has moved a step closer. 

The contracts to change the Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse, on the town’s Main Street, into a modern Community and Digital Enterprise Hub have been signed. 

 €4.6m is being invested into the project, which will bring major positive economic, environmental and social benefits to the local area.

The property, which is a protected structure, will be transformed into a modern digital hub, which will provide enterprise and community space in the village.

The redevelopment of the Courthouse marks a major step forward in bringing long-vacant heritage structures back into sustainable use for the benefit of the community and local businesses.

The project is being delivered by Laois County Council’s Regeneration Section under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and is jointly funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG).

The redevelopment, designed by Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture, includes linking the north and south wings of the building, adding a passenger lift, and creating a multi-purpose space. Planning permission has been secured for the designs, and the project has since progressed through the full tender process. Following approval by the DRCDG to proceed with construction works, Braemar Construction Ltd has been appointed as main contractor. Works are expected to commence within the next month, with a project completion timeline of 18 months.

The redevelopment will see the substantial renewal and repurposing of the derelict local landmark to get it back into active use for the first time in many years.

The new Community and Enterprise Digital Hub will include:

Enterprise spaces including possible co-working facilities
Meeting rooms / facilities for community

Chief Executive Michael Rainey stated: “The signing of these contracts represents significant progress in bringing this important regeneration project to fruition. Restoring the Courthouse not only safeguards valuable architectural heritage but also provides new, high-quality facilities that will support enterprise, community groups, and town centre renewal for future years. We welcome the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in enabling this transformative project to proceed.”

Angela McEvoy, Director of Services at Laois County Council said: “I am looking forward to the first sod being turned on site and working with the contractor Braemar Construction Ltd and consultant Architects, Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture to restore this landmark building. The completion of the Community and Digital Enterprise Hub will protect what is an iconic building in Borris-in-Ossory for current and future generations to come”.