Agenda item

Darragh Cunningham, the Newcomen Bank-City Hall Project Manager, provided a comprehensive report to the Members outlining the high level proposals for both buildings and the estimated costs and timescales involved. He confirmed that Newcomen Bank was suitable for cultural and public usage with the provision of exhibition spaces at basement and ground level as well as conference rooms and offices on the upper floors. The redevelopment of Newcomen Bank is a significant project as there are structural and remedial works required to maintain its integrity. It is estimated that the project will cost €9.4 million and would be completed by mid-2023. The Project team are currently investigating sources of funding, however that will be determined by the nature of the final usage.  

Darragh reported that the current facilities for Councillors in City Hall are not adequate. The redevelopment of the basement area would provide significant improvements in the way of two additional party rooms, consultation offices and individual work stations as well as an exhibition space. The orientation of the new rooms would take advantage of the natural light coming in from Bernardo Square. There would also be provision for upgrades to the existing party rooms in terms of furniture and office equipment. The current restriction of activities in City Hall brought about by Covid-19 would provide an opportunity to complete the works with minimum disruption. It is estimated that the project will cost €700,000 and would be completed by the end of 2021. There is funding available in the capital budget to carry out the redevelopment.

Brendan Teeling briefed the Members on the existing exhibition on display in the basement of City Hall. In conjunction with Dr. Mary Clarke they carried out a thorough review of the exhibition and identified those artefacts with significant historical value which could be incorporated into the reimagined gallery space in the basement. He was satisfied that the new proposals would be able to accommodate a modernised exhibition which could take advantage of technology and provide an improved experience for visitors. Darragh confirmed that Brendan’s report had been accepted by the Project Team and would be circulated to the Protocol Committee.

The Members thanked Darragh and Brendan for their presentations and were supportive of the proposals. They emphasised the need to provide enhanced facilities for Councillors and to ensure that Newcomen Bank would be used as a cultural and public space which would be accessible to the public, community groups and Councillors. They also stressed that functionality was a priority and should not be sacrificed for design in the final proposals.

The Members agreed that the project should be considered as two distinct segments – City Hall and Newcomen Bank. The plans for Newcomen Bank are substantial and will require significant resources which may involve a more medium term approach. The redevelopment of City Hall is a viable project which can deliver considerable benefits in the short-term.

Order: It was agreed that the Project Team should proceed with detailed designs for City Hall with a view to implementation in early 2021. The Protocol Committee to be updated on a regular basis as the project progresses.