A new 420-seat theatre is planned by University of Galway as part of a major project that will see the demolition of several buildings on the university’s lands at Earl’s Island.

Planning permission is being sought for a new Performance Place building – the major element of which is a theatre which can function as an academic lecture theatre as well as an events space.

The proposed theatre would have a roughly similar seating capacity to that of the main auditorium in the Town Hall Theatre.

There will be a further multi-purpose space at ground floor level and, at first floor level, a large classroom, practice rooms, offices and storage space.

The plan involves the demolition of five buildings, in a cluster known as Hunter Building. These warehouse buildings are currently in use as boat sheds and a space for the Macnas Theatre Group.

The University stresses that the current users of the buildings to be demolished, including Macnas and the University of Galway Kayak and Canoe Club will be appropriately relocated –with Macnas to occupy part of the proposed Performance Place building.

Its planning application to Galway City Council for a 10-year permission for the development says that the buildings are largely in a state of semi-dereliction, are of low heritage value “and demolition is the most appropriate action over any potential reuse”.

A positive redevelopment of an underutilised area of the University campus, the proposal “presents an opportunity for a multifunctional building that provides a new cultural and events space while also providing a 420 no. seat lecture theatre that will provide a high quality teaching facility for the University of Galway”.

“The proposed Performance Place will provide a flexible new theatre to support the demand for teaching spaces within the University of Galway and will also function as an events and performance space,” it adds.

The proposed development also includes a sustainable transport hub, with a large bicycle storage area – amounting to almost 250 spaces – and associated shower facilities that will positively encourage active travel. No new car parking spaces will be provided.

Pictured: An image of how the new Performance Place building, including a 420-seat theatre, at Earl’s Island will look.