A landmark 19th-century mill on Nuns’ Island is set for a new lease of life as construction begins on the UrbanLab, the first project in the proposed construction of the Galway Innovation and Creativity District.
The initiative, announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, aims to transform the historic site into a flagship centre for community collaboration and sustainable urban development.
The works mark a major milestone in the district, led by the University of Galway in partnership with the Galway City Council and funded through €4.3 million from the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF ).
UrbanLab will repurpose the former Persse’s Distillery mill into a space for research, public engagement and interdisciplinary projects involving the university, the city and Galway’s diverse communities.
Minister Browne said, “The UrbanLab is an exciting and timely initiative. The commencement of works marks a key step forward in shaping a resilient, inclusive urban future. The UrbanLab, housed in this beautiful historic structure, supported by the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, is a flagship initiative by the University of Galway focused on sustainable urban development, community engagement and interdisciplinary research. It brings together communities to work on new ideas and solutions for city life. The UrbanLab will be a shared space where people can learn, talk, and do research together.”
Professor Peter McHugh, interim president of the university, said the project offers an opportunity to “imagine and shape a better Galway.”
The redevelopment will be carried out by McNamara Construction and is expected to be completed in early 2026.
