Public views sought on new life for key Clara building

Offaly County Council is seeking public views on plans for the refurbishment and redesign of the former Co-Op building on Clara's River Street.

A public consultation event will take place on Wednesday, May 7, from 4-7pm at the old Bank of Ireland building on Church Street.

Helena McElmeel Architects in cooperation with the council is proposing to refurbish the building to create a multipurpose space for the community of Clara and wider public.

A workshop for secondary school students will take place separately on the day, while an online survey is also available here

The survey will close on May 15 at midnight

Early last year, it was confirmed the former Recks building on River Street would be acquired as part of the Government's Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Later in the year, €50,000 funding was allocated for design and planning work on the proposal to convert a building on River Street to a multi-purpose community space.

The former Co-Op building is located on River Street and in close proximity to the junction with Bridge Street and Main Street.

Over the years the building has had many uses including a street mill, school, co-operative, retail and residential.

It's envisaged the new community building could provide spaces for the many community groups in the town such as the Community Council, Town Team, Heritage Society, Tidy Towns and Chamber of Commerce