Plans for 'world-class' music and events centre in West Cork lodged with council

Ambitious project would include a 271-seat performance hall and education hub aimed at addressing the lack of opportunities for local audiences in the area

The event centre would comprise a multi-purpose auditorium incorporating a 271-seat performance hall

A "world-class" music venue and community hub for the next generation could open in West Cork as part of new plans lodged with the county council.

West Cork Music CLG is seeking to address the "lack of opportunities" for local audiences, with existing venues "not designed to deliver arts experiences that provide a welcome for all."

The group has sought planning permission to demolish a warehouse building at the former G.W Biggs & Co. Site on Bridge Street and Market Lane in Bantry to make way for the construction of the music and events centre.

This would comprise a multi-purpose auditorium, incorporating a 271-seat performance hall and associated ancillary rooms and spaces, including a reception and ticket office, a foyer, changing rooms, showers and toilets.

"A modern, state-of-the art venue, designed to the highest acoustic standards, with features including wheelchair accessibility and a hearing loop system, will enable us to deliver a better festival experience and year-round programming for locals and visitors alike," the organisation has said. 

Over 15 sites in West Cork were considered for the arts venue and education hub over the years, with Dublin-based architects, McCullough Mulvin, appointed as design partners for the project.

"A modern, year-round purpose-built arts venue with impeccable acoustics, in the heart of Bantry, will allow us to improve the accessibility and quality of our festivals, and transform arts provision in our rural area," the group added. 

The proposed development would also have a linked three-storey education hub, incorporating a ground-floor café/bar, rehearsal rooms, a multi-purpose performance space, and other ancillary rooms on upper floors.

The plans also include a separate two-storey plant building to the rear, incorporating an ESB substation, switch room and external stairs.

Associated site works include landscaping, public realm works, boundary treatments, 40 bicycle parking spaces, two universal access parking spaces and two staff parking spaces.

Cork County Council are due to decide on the plans by June 11, 2026.