Planning permission has been granted for a major project that will include the provision of a new 420-seat theatre on land owned by the University of Galway.

Several former warehouse buildings at Earls Island, across from Galway Cathedral, will be demolished to make way for the Performance Place building – described as a dual use academic teaching space and a creative arts and performance space

The major element will be a theatre which can function as an academic lecture theatre as well as an events space with a roughly similar seating capacity to that of 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.

Five buildings, in a cluster known as Hunter Building, which are currently in use as boat sheds and a space for the Macnas Theatre Group, will be demolished.

Macnas will occupy part of the proposed new Performance Place building and other current users, including the University of Galway Kayak and Canoe Club, will be appropriately relocated according to the University.

The University authorities, in their application for planning permission, said that the buildings were largely in a state of semi-dereliction, were of low heritage value “and demolition is the most appropriate action over any potential reuse”.

The green light has now been given for the development by Galway City Council, who have granted the University planning permission with an extended ten-year lifespan to complete the project, given “the nature, scale and location of the proposed development”.

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.

The planned development is located next to the Fisheries Field area – city planners gave the go-ahead in May for its redevelopment as a park serving as an amenity for both students and staff and the wider public.

The two-and-a-half acre site, bordering the River Corrib near Galway Cathedral, will continue to host the Big Top tent events for the annual Galway International Arts Festival.

The plan will see the area enhanced, with new seating and the creation of a raised platform that can host events.

Pictured: An image showing the design of the new Performance Place building planned by the University of Galway.