Feasibility Study and Business Plan carried out to research the business case, viability and sustainability of re-developing the Oughterard Courthouse as a community asset. Following on from the study, a lease was secured from Galway County Council, over €500,000 in funding secured, and a single organisation formed to develop, restore, manage and plan for the future of the Courthouse.
The Courthouse is a very successful amenity, which has been described as “the best exhibition space in the West of Ireland” by the Galway City Arts Office. The Courthouse website is located here, and all photos shown relating to this project are the copyright of Oughterard Courthouse Restoration and Heritage CLG.
Project details
- Extensive consultation with Oughterard Tourism and Development Association, Galway County Council, Galway Library, Galway Arts Office and other local stakeholders
- Profile of the project, including history of work carried out to date by the promoters
- Review of the potential market for the project, including local, regional and international markets
- Consultation with major stakeholders to review the potential use of the facility
- Research the ‘need’ for the project, based upon the catchment area, similar facilities in Galway and adjacent counties, other community facilities, etc.
- Review of the potential for the development of the Courthouse as a tourism centre
- Review of the potential for the development of the Courthouse as an expanded library
- Review of the potential for the development of the Courthouse as a coffee shop
- Review of the potential for the development of the Courthouse as a cultural and arts amenity, and cultural enterprise
- Review of the potential for the development of the Courthouse as a performance space
- Review of the potential for the development of the Courthouse as a meeting space
- Research into the impact of the project on cultural and artistic enterprise, including employment and cultural tourism
- Presentation of options for the future management structure
- Recommendations for the legal structure
- Identifying potential sources of funds
- Preparation of financial projections, including anticipated operating costs, cost centres and sources of trading income
- Recommendations for the sustainability and management structure, e.g. facilities, management, staff, programmes and operational planning
- SWOT analysis
- Marketing and promotional initiatives
- Action Plan for the first 1-3 years of development
