Tender issued for construction of Swords Cultural Quarter

A major milestone in the Swords Cultural Project has been reached with the publishing of the tender for the building.

The tender includes a county library, theatre, gallery, arts spaces, a maker space, and a café.

The tender is the latest stage in a process that has been underway for several months and responses are due to be submitted in February.

It is estimated that construction will commence in the first half of 2024 with the new building due to open in 2026. The Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Adrian Henchy, said “this marks another important step in the Swords Cultural Quarter project.”

“This building will be a centre of knowledge, arts and culture for Swords and Fingal and will have a strong focus on people and experiences which, through the delivery of a modern, dynamic, inspirational and educational programme of events and activities, will become a destination and a focal point for the local community and visitors.”

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said “since the day this project was first mooted our focus has always been on delivery. Going to tender means we are another step closer to construction and delivering a valuable piece of community infrastructure for Swords and Fingal.”

Swords Cultural Quarter will include a new county library, an art gallery and exhibition space, a café, a civic area, studios and rehearsal rooms, and a theatre which can cater for audiences of between 165 and 360 depending on the type of event being staged.

The new library, which will be seven times bigger than the existing one, will offer the people of Swords a full suite of library services for the first time. In addition to a much larger stock of books, the new library will include the Local Studies and Archive section, as well as a Maker Space, study space, reading areas, events and meeting rooms.

Local Labour Councillor James Humphreys said the works mark a “significant step in the town’s cultural and physical development.”

“The Swords Cultural Quarter has the potential to be more than just a building; it’s an investment in our community’s cultural future. From the expanded county library to the theatre, it’s a space for everyone, residents and visitors alike.”

“I look forward to the positive impact this project will have on the community, fostering cultural experiences and creating a hub for shared activities. In the wake of recent studies highlighting Ireland’s standing as one of the loneliest countries in Europe. The Swords Cultural Quarter is not just a construction project; it’s an investment in creating spaces that bring people together, fostering social connections for the rapidly expanding community in Swords,” he said.