Official contracts were signed between Kilkenny County Council and Mythen Construction last month to enable the main contract works to commence on the conservation and extension of Evan’s Home in the heart of Kilkenny to bring the building back into public use by the prestigious Butler Gallery.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Councillor David Fitzgerald said ’Evan’s Home is a significant building in Kilkenny City’s history and the broader Evan’s Home site is rich in archaeological heritage. Notwithstanding that, the site has been largely hidden from the general public for nearly thirty years. I welcome the commencement of works on this project as it will ensure that the site is brought back into public use, will provide for effective interpretation of the site’s history and, in addition to the refurbishment of the building, will also provide for a significant, new public space in Kilkenny City.’

Once complete the refurbished Evan’s Home will be occupied and operated by the Butler Gallery, currently located in Kilkenny Castle. Anna O’Sullivan is Director of the Butler Gallery and said; ‘this is a hugely important day for the Butler Gallery. This journey began in 2004 and it is gratifying that we will now realise a new home for the Butler Gallery.

Over and above the refurbishment of the Evan’s Home building the development delivers a significant new area of public open spaces which will include a Children’s’ Garden, an Archaeological Garden, a Sculpture Garden and a direct connection from John Street through the site to the Lady Desart Pedestrian Bridge.

Brendan Merry & Partners are delighted to be part of a very experienced and familiar design team in McCullough Mulvin Architects and O’Connor Sutton Cronin Structural and Civil Engineers. We look forward to working with Kilkenny County Council and Mythen Construction to deliver a first-class conservation project.