Loughrea has been announced as one of the towns participating in a community-led architecture and design programme, titled ‘Reimagine…’.
The participating towns were announced on Thursday by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF).
Bringing together local communities, architects, designers and planners, Reimagine… aims to develop projects which will enhance the local built environment of six towns around the country.
The Loughrea project will see the creation of an architectural installation along ‘The Walks’.
The Irish Architecture Foundation has been working with The Walks Steering Group to develop the project, as well as members of Galway County Council, including the Architectural Conservation Officer, and the Heritage Officer.
Commenting on the announcement of the towns participating in the programme, Nathalie Weadick, Director of the IAF, said: “A key part of the Irish Architecture Foundation’s Strategy is to enable citizens to contribute to and improve their built environment, and this lies at the very heart of Reimagine….
“No one knows more about Loughrea than the people who live there, and the overall aim of Reimagine… is to enable local residents to bring about positive change to Loughrea through collaborative engagement with professionals in architecture, planning, and design.
“We’re looking forward to progressing the Reimagine… projects in each of the towns in the coming months. Architecture is a civic right, fundamental to the fabric of life, and has the power to improve the daily lives of everyone.”
Also at the launch of Reimagine … was Mairin Doddy, Architectural Conservation Officer at Galway County Council who said: “We’re delighted that Loughrea has been chosen to participate in Reimagine… The project is unique in that it allows Loughrea locals, architects, and designers, to work together to bring about positive changes to our civic spaces and we look forward to working with the IAF.”
The IAF will be taking part in the upcoming Loughrea Medieval Festival and will be present at The Walled Town Day event from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday, 25 August to talk with Loughrea locals about how they use The Walks, and what changes they would like to see.
