At yesterdays (Monday) June Ordinary Meeting of Kilkenny County Council, the Elected Members approved development proposals for the renovation and restructuring of the Tholsel Building (Town Hall) on High Street. The proposed development had been the subject of a recent public consultation process, in accordance with the provisions of Part VIII of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 - 2018.

The proposed development will open a new chapter in the history of this iconic building, which has stood on the current High Street site since 1578. The proposed development will see the civic function of the building, as the seat of Local Government in the City, retained and enhanced, while greater public access to the building for locals and visitors alike will be facilitated with the introduction of a visitor exhibition.

The proposed development will include the provision of a new reception area at ground floor level for the civic function of the building. The Mayor's Parlour will be reinstated back to its former condition, with the reinstatement of the double height space and the reintroduction of the windows to the parlour that were removed during renovation works in the 1950's.

Universal access to the building will be provided with the introduction of a new stairs and lift - this will be a very significant addition to the building where currently there is no access for mobility impaired visitors.

The proposed visitor exhibition will tell the history of Kilkenny through the Mayors of Kilkenny who have been based in the Town Hall building. It will also provide an opportunity to put on display the large collection of City Archives that are currently in storage.

A lightweight glazed reception area will be provided in the inner porch area of the building to accommodate visitors to the building. Visitor access will be provided to the previously inaccessible basement area of the building, which is a very atmospheric space with its vaulted brick lined ceilings. An exhibition area will be provided outside the Council Chamber, with this area being used for both civic functions and as a visitor exhibition area. Limited public access will be provided to the clock tower or cupola offering unique views over the city sky line.

Kilkenny County Council will now make an application to Fáilte Ireland for funding for the proposed development through the Grant Scheme for Large Tourism Projects.