THE IRISH Cultural Centre, which has for years leased its home in Hammersmith in London, has signed a contract with the local Conservative-controlled council to buy the building, which will see the construction of a new headquarters over the next two years.
Following an earlier deal with a local housing association, the existing building will be demolished and replaced by a new centre on the lower floors, complete with a concert hall, along with flats on the upper floors.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council decided in February 2011 to sell the centre on Blacks Road and seven other buildings in the borough in a bid to reduce a debt of £133 million.
The decision caused grave concerns within the London-Irish community.
Conservative councillor Joe Carlebach yesterday said: “The council is immensely proud of the borough’s rich Irish heritage so it is particularly pleasing that we have found a positive solution that benefits our Irish community while at the same time reducing the burden for [local] taxpayers.”
The purchase has been significantly helped by a £500,000 grant from the Irish Government, although the centre must now embark on a fundraising effort to find the remainder.
“After a period of great uncertainty for the centre, it is enormously exciting that we can now plan for the future from a solid base,” said centre chairman Jim O’Hara.
“It is a great gain for the Irish community in Britain and means [it] will be the heartbeat of Irish culture in Britain for many generations to come.
“It has taken a lot of work and negotiation to get successfully to this point, but in around two years time, we look forward eagerly to a very grand opening and a new future for the centre,” Mr O’Hara said.
