THE future of one of Limerick’s most recognisable homes for cultural activities – Ormston House – has been secured with the announcement that Limerick City and County Council has purchased 9-10 Patrick Street, Limerick.
The purchase comprises of the ground floor and basement and has been made possible with funding from Limerick City and County Council and the JP McManus Benevolent Fund.
The building has been used as a focal point for arts and culture in the heart of Limerick City since 2011 and supports creative practices and provides the opportunity for artists to develop challenging and experimental works.
As part of the move to secure the location for use by the arts and culture community in Limerick, the local authority put forward a long-term draft lease for Ormston House to the full council meeting of Limerick City and County Council which was formally adopted by councillors this week.
Since it opened its doors, Ormston House has hosted around 350 exhibitions and events and worked with 296 artists from 27 countries.
Limerick City and County Council has been working behind the scenes for a number of years to secure long-term tenancy of the building, which ultimately benefits the cultural and artistic community in Limerick and beyond.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Collins said: “There have been many false hopes for Ormston House since it was put up for sale, but now I’m delighted to say that the Council with the support of the JP McManus Benevolent Fund have purchased the building.
“I know that for a lot of people, Ormston House has played an important role in their development as artists and now will continue to be available to them. I wish to thank the JP McManus Benevolent Fund for its support in helping Limerick City and County Council secure this resource for the people of Limerick.”
The property was acquired in April 2020 from Mount Kennett Investment Company for €280,000.
Ormston House, which is a Company Limited by Guarantee, has been in occupation of the building for a number of years.
Pippa Little, Arts Officer, Limerick Culture and Arts Office says she is delighted that this historic structure, in the heart of the city, has been secured for culture and arts in Limerick.
“Ormston House now has a long term home in which to continue to work with artists and communities and to shape our cultural landscape,” she said. “The Limerick Culture and Arts Office looks forward to Ormston House re-opening to the public and continuing to work with our artistic communities to programme events and activities over the weeks and months ahead, particularly as the sector prepares to re-build post Covid.
“This purchase is a testament to the vison and hard work of the Co-Director and founder of Ormston House, Mary Conlon and all of the creatives and artists who have contributed to its success.”
