The creation of a bespoke building for Headford, comprising cultural, enterprise, and recreational facilities, has taken a step closer this week, following the allocation of funding.
Galway Rural Development have allocated £22,204 towards a feasibility study to CREATE (Centre for Education, Arts, Technology and Enterprise ), the group which is behind the proposed centre, and which is chaired by Fianna Fáil county councillor, Mary Hoade. The money is coming from the 2014 - 2020 Leader Programme.
'Remote working has been a feature of the Covid-19 pandemic, and even after Covid-19, people will still be encouraged to work from home. The new building can play a role in that'
Cllr Hoade has welcomed the funding, saying it is a "first step" for what she and the committee hope will become a bespoke , multi-use centre for Headford. "Headford is renowned for its arts and music scene," she said, "and the creation of such a centre will be a huge step forward for the arts in the area."
A multi-use centre
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As well as an arts venue, it is envisaged that the proposed new building will also be an enterprise centre. "Given Headford's proximity to Galway, this is an aspect that needs to be looked at," said Cllr Hoade. "Remote working has been a feature of the Covid-19 pandemic, and even after Covid-19, people will still be encouraged, and there will be opportunities to work from home, and the new building can play a role in facilitating that."
A consultation process with the public will take place, and the committee is especially interested in the views of arts, music, and creative groups, and local schools. "I want the people of Headford to contact the committee," she said, "with what they need and would like to see CREATE Headford become."
