News

Press Release 13th June 2006

New era for Twin Towns as contract is signed for €6m Butt Hall Centre. After several months finalising construction drawings and the tender process for the re-development of the Butt Hall, the Butt Hall committee has issued the following statement:

“We are delighted to announce that the contract for the redevelopment of the Butt Hall has been awarded to McDermott Trearty Contractors, Cappry, Ballybofey".

The committee are also delighted to announce that it has successfully concluded its negotiations with The Butt Drama Circle, who will be moving in to manage the new auditorium when it is completed in mid 2007.

This statement signals an early start for this flagship project. At an estimated cost in excess of €6 million, this will certainly be one of the largest privately-funded community projects outside Dublin. Funding for the proposed development is to be raised by the Butt Hall committee through a combination of its own funds, bank loans and grant of €350,000 from the International Fund for Ireland. The committee is anxious that construction of the new 3109 sq.m. (33,000sq.ft) building commence as soon as possible after the contract has been signed on Friday. The first step will be the demolition of the existing building to make way for the new development. Perimeter piling will be installed before the excavation of the basement. Bearing piles will then support a concrete foundation which in turn will carry the steel and concrete superstructure. Internal and external building work will be carried out to complete the building.

The Committee has instructed their design team to produce a modern vibrant building taking full advantage of its town centre location and offering a focal point for local people and visitors alike. The name selected for the new building is The Butt Hall Centre

The Butt Hall Committee regards the agreement with The Butt Drama Circle as being vitally important to the image and viability of the new centre. The negotiations between the two organisations have been ongoing for some time. It is of great credit to both committees that such a historic agreement has been concluded successfully. This agreement will have great benefits for everyone in the local community and beyond.

The Butt Drama Circle have a wonderful track record in community-based activities and local theatre. As the negotiations have proceeded, the development has grown in size and complexity. The Butt Hall Committee has strived to develop a multi-functional space which meets the specifications of a modern theatre and yet retains the versatility required for many other uses. This has been achieved by using a special retractable seating system, which can be folded away into purpose-built voids in the walls, and a demountable stage system. In addition a full basement has been added under the entire footprint of the auditorium. The basement allows the Butt Hall Committee to provide a second high-quality community space as well as providing additional facilities and on-site storage for the Butt Drama Circle. This has been a key element in securing agreement with the Butt Drama Circle while also offering additional facilities which will be available for the local community.

Over the past year the Committee has been working hard to finalise all outstanding details so as to be ready to proceed immediately with this important project. We would like to take this opportunity to offer our contractor McDermott Trearty General Contractors and our design team every success and good luck with this project.

All being well, by mid 2007 this magnificent facility on the Butt Hall site, the new Butt Hall Centre, will take its place at the physical and emotional heart of the Twin Towns.