Thrive - Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (Strand 2)

Learn more about the vision for the regeneration of Sligo Gaol through the THRIVE Programme by watching the project video below:

Sligo County Council Secures €7 Million for the Redevelopment of Sligo Gaol

Sligo County Council is delighted to announce that it has been awarded up to €7 million in funding under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) Strand 2 for the redevelopment of the historic Sligo Gaol. The funding, announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is provided through the Northern and Western Regional Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The award represents a significant milestone in Sligo County Council's long-term vision to conserve, restore and repurpose one of the county's most important heritage buildings as a publicly accessible community, cultural and tourism destination.

 

Bringing New Life to a Historic Landmark

Located close to Sligo Town Centre, Sligo Gaol is recognised as one of Ireland's most significant historic prison buildings and is regarded as one of the best surviving examples of a Panopticon style prison in Ireland. Originally constructed between 1814 and 1828, the Gaol possesses considerable historical, architectural and cultural significance, with strong links to the social, economic and civic history of Sligo.

The redevelopment project will conserve and enhance this important heritage asset while creating a vibrant new destination that will serve local communities and attract visitors to the region.

Sligo Gaol

Project Vision

The project aims to transform Sligo Gaol into a leading heritage, tourism and community facility that will:

  • Preserve and celebrate the unique history and architecture of Sligo Gaol.
  • Create a high-quality visitor attraction in the heart of Sligo.
  • Support cultural, educational and community activities.
  • Enhance the tourism offering of Sligo and the wider region.
  • Contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Sligo Town Centre.
  • Complement the objectives of the Cranmore Regeneration Masterplan.

The project will ensure that this iconic building is brought back into sustainable public use while creating lasting social, cultural and economic benefits for County Sligo.

 

THRIVE Programme

The Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) supports local authorities and communities in reimagining town centres through the renovation, renewal and adaptive reuse of publicly owned vacant or underutilised heritage buildings. The programme aims to revitalise town centres by creating attractive and sustainable places for people to live, work, visit and invest in.

Following the successful completion of Strand 1, the Strand 2 funding award will enable Sligo County Council to progress the conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of Sligo Gaol and advance the project towards delivery.

 

New European Bauhaus Principles

As a THRIVE-funded project, the redevelopment of Sligo Gaol will continue to incorporate the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative, promoting solutions that are:

  • Sustainable
  • Inclusive
  • Accessible
  • Innovative
  • High-quality in design

The project will continue to engage with stakeholders, communities and interested parties to ensure that the regenerated facility reflects local needs while protecting and enhancing the building's important heritage value.

This project is supported by the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) under the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.

THRIVE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Further project updates, consultation opportunities and redevelopment milestones will be published on this page as the project progresses.

  

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