Gorey Market House

A year of progress pride and community momentum with Gorey Market House

2025 marked a defining chapter in the story of THRIVE Gorey Market House, which is one of the most ambitious, community-rooted projects ever undertaken in the town, headed by Wexford Co Council. What started as a shared aspiration to breathe new life into one of Gorey’s most historic buildings has grown into a movement shaped by local voices, strengthened by strong partnerships between the local authority and the community and has gained recognition across Ireland and Europe.

The redevelopment of the Market House is now far more than a story of the restoration of a building. For many, it symbolises the spirit of Gorey itself, a town built on connection, creativity and community pride. Now, as the project approaches its most exciting phase yet, that sense of shared purpose feels stronger than ever.


  

   
Built on Conversation, Memory and Community Voice

A cornerstone of the project has been the depth and sincerity of community engagement. Over many hours, across multiple meetings and open sessions, the people of Gorey contributed their ideas, hopes and reflections. These conversations weren’t symbolic; they are central to this story. The people of Gorey spoke passionately about what the Market House means: a landmark that holds memories across generations, a place at the town’s heart, and a building whose future matters deeply to local identity.

To preserve this emotional connection, the team carried out a series of video interviews capturing personal stories, recollections and visions for what the new Market House could become. These interviews form a living archive, a testament that the redevelopment is grounded in the voices of the people it serves. They also highlight the unique place the Market House occupies in Gorey’s shared story.

This commitment to listening first and designing second shaped the project at every stage. The result is a plan that not only respects the building’s heritage but responds directly to the community’s aspirations for a vibrant, welcoming, future-forward space.

A Milestone Moment: From Vision to Reality

After years of this landmark building lying idle, the project is now entering a decisive phase. In January 2026, Gorey Market House will go out to tender, with construction expected to begin mid-year. This milestone reflects the remarkable partnership between local community groups, the Gorey–Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Wexford County Council and the many individuals and organisations who have lent their support, including the North Wexford Historical Society. It also acknowledges the valued working relationship with the project’s funders, the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027. Their shared leadership, passion and commitment have ensured that the project remains firmly rooted in community values while advancing to the highest standards of development and regeneration.

Gorey Market House on the National and European Stage

From September this year,  Gorey Market House has been the subject of discussion at several national and international events. This has put the project on the national and European radar, and we have been sharing our learnings to date on the project,  including how we are applying the New European Bauhaus principles and the extensive communication strategy and citizen engagement.

Then came a major moment of pride: confirmation that THRIVE Gorey Market House had been selected to feature at the INFORM EU conference in Gdansk, Poland, from 3rd to 5th December. The project was chosen for a specialised workshop on “How to Better Pitch Your Project,” recognising the exceptional standard of communication, engagement and storytelling achieved by the Gorey team and community. This selection places Gorey among the standout projects across Europe for clear, compelling, community-led development.

As Gorey moves forward into 2026, excitement continues to build. The redevelopment will create a dynamic, multi-use space that supports creativity, community, learning and cultural expression. It will bring renewed energy to the town centre, encourage local activity, and provide opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Most importantly, the new Market House will reflect the people who helped shape it. Each step of the journey, every meeting, interview and shared idea has contributed to a project rooted in pride, participation and possibility.

The transformation of Gorey Market House is not just a construction project; it is a collaborative achievement that will benefit many.  And as work begins in 2026, the Market House will once again become a place where Gorey gathers, grows and thrives today and for generations to come.

The Gorey Market House project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, and Wexford County Council. 

Funding

This project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the Eurpoean Union, through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021 - 27 and Wexford County Council.

 

Aims & Objectives

  • Restore and protect Gorey’s Market House, reinstating its role as a cultural and historical landmark while incorporating the adjacent historic graveyard.
  • Develop a thriving town centre with a blend of markets, community function rooms, a concert venue, and multi-purpose spaces.
  • Enhance public spaces, making Gorey a more attractive place to live, work, and visit while boosting both the daytime and nighttime economy.
  • Create an inclusive, affordable, and sustainable community facility that aligns with principles of equality, environmental responsibility, and carbon reduction.
  • Improve town centre connectivity by prioritising pedestrian and cyclist access, including cycling infrastructure and mobility scooter charging points.
  • Establish a high-quality, universally accessible public space linked to Gorey’s broader network of green areas, fostering social interaction and well-being.
  • Promote biodiversity and green infrastructure through designated biodiversity zones within the plaza.
  • Strengthen Gorey’s appeal as a hub for employment, retail, cultural, and recreational activities.
  • Unlock a key redevelopment site in the town centre, generating new community and economic opportunities.
  • Ensure the goals and recommendations of the project under the New European Bauhaus Values and Principles in being Transformative and Encouraging a Cultural Shift to Sustainable Place-Based Living are achieved.
  • Enrich Gorey’s cultural landscape with enhanced facilities and public programming
  • Foster a sense of pride and identity within the community.

New European Bauhaus

The Gorey Market House Restoration Project is being delivered through the NEB principles in consultation with the local community.

New European Bauhaus Principles:

Beautiful: “quality of experience and style beyond functionality.”

Sustainable: “from climate goals to circularity, zero pollution, and biodiversity”

Together: “from valuing diversity to securing accessibility and affordability”

 

In line with the New European Bauhaus and Town Centre First methodologies a multi-disciplinary team has been assembled by the Council to ensure the elements of urban design, creative artistic practice, science, circular and sustainable engineering solutions, biodiversity and the needs of a rich and diverse community are delivered to an exemplary standard through the lifetime of the project and beyond.

Learn more about the New European Bauhaus principles here.

 

Progress Updates:

April 2024: Formation of multi-disciplinary project team

May 2024: Application lodged for funding under the SRA THRIVE programme

July 2024: Part 8 Planning Permission granted

October 2024: Funding agreement formally signed

November 2024: EU Capacity building event in Limerick

November 2024: Formation of Communications Team

December 2024: Tender for Integrated Design Team to deliver project

January 2025: Delivery of project communications plan

February 2025: Tender assessment

 

Outcomes
Once completed, the Gorey Market House Project will provide a beautifully restored space that enhances Gorey’s cultural and economic landscape. It will serve as a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and social connection, supporting the local community and visitors alike. The revitalisation of the Market House will not only preserve an important historical landmark but also contribute to Gorey’s continued growth and vibrancy.