Fundraiser launched for €2m restoration of Cork waterfront arts building

The Sirius Arts Centre building in Cobh has undergone the first phase of its restoration, but further funding is required for the final phase

The Sirius Arts Centre was designed in Italianate-style by the renowned architect, Anthony Salvin, who worked for the British royal family on Windsor Castle, the Tower of London and several other significant castles and buildings in the UK. Photo: Darragh Kane

A major campaign has been launched to help fund the ambitious €2m restoration and re-imagination of an historic waterfront arts building in Cork Harbour once home to the world’s oldest yacht club.

Steeped in maritime history, the landmark and architecturally significant Sirius Arts Centre building in Cobh was built in 1854 to house the Royal Cork Yacht Club (RCYC), founded in 1720 and originally based on Haulbowline Island.