Butter Exchange set for a new lease of life

The Shandon area has received a major boost with a €7 million investment.

The funding, co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, will breathe new life into some of Cork’s most historic sites, including the Butter Market and Weighmaster’s House Complex, St Anne’s Church, Dr Mary Hearn Parks, and Shandon Street.

The Weighmaster’s House and Butter Exchange in Shandon are set to be reimagined as a pioneering Ed-Tech Enterprise hub.

Innovations developed in the Ed-Tech hub will be applied in a dedicated community and creative space, helping to upskill people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

This will be complemented by a biodiverse courtyard and garden providing a meeting place open to the public featuring pollinator planting, rainwater harvesting features, seating, and a flexible canopy.

This protected structure includes properties that are vacant, underused, and partly derelict.

The Butter Exchange, originally built in 1770 and remodelled in 1849 with its distinctive portico entrance, was extended into the Weighmaster’s House.

A fire in 1976 destroyed the main structure of the Butter Exchange. Now, with this new investment, the landmark is set to come back to life at the heart of a wider regeneration effort.

The funding has been grated through THRIVE – the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

Fianna Fáil councillors Tony Fitzgerald and John Sheehan said they both worked to ensure Shandon was prioritised for support.

“We welcome investment in the Butter Market and Weighmaster’s House Complex, St Anne's Church and Dr Mary Hearn Parks, and the revitalisation of Shandon Street. We want to congratulate City Council officials who held consultation events, an online survey, and targeted engagements with local businesses, schools and community groups,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.

Cllr Sheehan added: “It’s a great day for the northside and the city.”

The investment builds on work already underway. Earlier this year, Cork City Council launched the Shandon Integrated Urban Strategy (IUS), a roadmap for the heritage-led regeneration of the area. The plan, drawn up with the Shandon Neighbourhood Team and consultants, followed wide consultation with residents, schools, businesses, and community groups.

It sets out 36 actions across heritage, neighbourhood living, climate resilience, community, arts, business, and tourism.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.