Breathing new life into heritage: Gorey Market House, a THRIVE transformation

Located in the heart of Gorey, County Wexford, the historic Gorey Market House is about to undergo a major regeneration that will breathe new life into this critical early 19th-century landmark in the town of Gorey. A bustling town with a population of some 7,000 plus people, the Market House was long a focal point for the town. Wexford County Council has developed the project to reimagine the vacant Market House for future generations while carefully conserving its architectural and cultural heritage.

Dating back to the foundations of Gorey in 1619, the Market House is the oldest building in the town and one of the oldest surviving market houses in Ireland. Over more than four centuries, it has served the community in multiple roles: as the original tholsel or market house (from 1709), a prison during the 1798 Rebellion, a courthouse prior to 1837, a school, and most recently the Town Council Chamber until 2012. It has stood through rebellion, famine and insurrection, before becoming vacant following the move to the new Civic Centre in 2012.

The Southern Regional Assembly, as Managing Authority for the Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, is working closely with Wexford County Council to deliver this ambitious regeneration. The project has secured €7m in THRIVE funding, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, with a further €2m ring-fenced by Wexford County Council. Local councillors have been enthusiastic supporters, recognising the value of a shared civic and cultural space for Gorey and the wider North Wexford area.

A crucial part of this redevelopment is its alignment with the New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, inclusivity and beauty– principles that inform both the design approach and the engagement process.

The refurbished Market House and surrounding plaza will become an exemplary cultural anchor on Main Street. The sustainable design approach includes: thermal-proofing of the historic structure, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting. These innovations will bring the building as close as possible to NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) standards, particularly commendable given the heritage requirements.

Inclusivity has been embedded from the outset. Extensive community engagement – including open days, consultations and briefings – has fostered strong local ownership of the project. The partnership between the local authority and the community, and the investment in citizen engagement with a diverse range of groups such as historical, disability, youth and culture groups, demonstrates an initiative that’s been codesigned by the people of Gorey.

The project’s design honours the beauty of the existing structure while enhancing it for contemporary use. A notable heritage discovery during early surveys – original cobble lock – will be preserved and integrated into the final design.

When the project is finished, the Market House will offer both indoor and outdoor spaces right in the centre of town for individuals, groups and clubs to use for exhibitions, performances, workshops, outdoor events and markets and community events—creating an inclusive space for everyone. The flexible layouts will allow the building to evolve with the needs of the town.

Wexford County Council

The project has already attracted international attention. For example, in September 2025

• Liz Hore, Director of Services at Wexford County Council, showcased the project in Brussels and at Reimagining Places: Sustainable Conservation of Ireland’s Beautiful Heritage, an EUI Capacity-Building Event.
• Anita McLoughlin, District Manager, presented the project at INSPIRE: New European Bauhaus in Action in Kilkenny.

These engagements highlight Gorey Market House as a model for best practice in adaptive reuse. By sharing knowledge across Europe, the project offers inspiration for other THRIVE towns and illustrates how EU-supported programmes can drive sustainable regeneration, innovation and local pride.

The project has now reached the tender stage, a major step forward in its delivery. With funding secured, strong community partnerships, and a shared vision rooted in heritage and sustainability, the project is ready to return this important civic space to active community use.

Finally, in 2026, Wexford County Council participated in Tourism Ireland’s St Patrick’s Day Global Greening campaign, during which the Gorey Market House was illuminated in green, symbolising not only heritage, culture and community, but also the ongoing transformation of the iconic landmark under the THRIVE programme.