BIM, the state agency with responsibility for the development of seafish and aquaculture industries in Ireland, had a disused iceplant premises on the harbour located close to Castletownbere town centre, which they wished to convert to a training and development activities centre serving the South west.
The skillful conversion and transformation by MSA Architects of what was a fairly unattractive original semi-industrial building into a civic landmark building, was acknowledged and awarded a RIAI regional award. The judges citation stated …” this conversion is a delight, it has turned a utilitarian structure into a living useful building of real relevance to the community it serves. The conversion is stylish and assured…”
The design and detail set out to give a maritime expression and identity to the new facility, with a view to making it an attractive, modern and inviting focus in this important remote fishing community.
The client commented at the time that…”the architects worked with the maritime location and produced an excellent building, which not only fits well on the quayside, with the vessels moored alongside, but also faces the town square, thereby interacting with the larger community…”