A new performance arts space is to be built in the old St Anthony’s Theatre, as published in a proposal by Dublin City Council (DCC). The renovation is part of a larger refurbishment of Merchant’s Quay in order to “provide cultural, community, and artist workshop spaces” in Dublin.
The development will include two Georgian buildings at 8 and 9 Merchant’s Quay and the ground floor of number 7. According to Ray Yeates, Dublin City Council’s Arts Officer, number 8 is a former Franciscan publication centre, while number 9 is an 18th-century townhouse restored by the Dublin Civic Trust. Number 9 also includes an early 17th-century boat slipway at the basement level, which is to be preserved amidst the refurbishment.
The goal of the project is to create an arts and culture hub housing 20 artist workspaces that will address the scarcity of artist spaces in Dublin. According to the DCC proposal, the development will include the refurbishment and reinstatement of St Anthony’s Theatre as a performance venue that will double as a multi-use community space with a capacity of around 80 seats. Other developments cover changes to the Skippers Alley elevation, a roof terrace at No 8 Merchant’s Quay and various accessibility improvements. All alterations are said to respect and preserve the site’s historic character.
All buildings are currently out of use and in “poor to reasonable condition”. The construction is expected to start in September 2026 and take about nine months, with the complex opening in early 2028.
The cost of the works is projected at €9.5 million, with €4 million contributed from an anonymous donor, and €1.5 million sourced from the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport as part of the “Space to Create” fund. Dublin City Council is to cover the remaining costs.
According to Dublin councillors, the project could be an opportunity for partnership with the drug recovery centre located next door at 13-14 Merchant’s Quay. Ray Yeates also stated that DCC will explore the possibility of partnership with RADE (Recovery through Art, Drama and Education) rehabilitation group.
The Merchant’s Quay developments are part of a larger project by Dublin City Council to create a “Liberties Creative Campus”: a cultural hub and new artist workspaces in Dublin 8. The Merchant’s Quay refurbishment is the first project in the “creative campus” initiative since its inception in 2021.
The commencement of the planning comes just weeks after the closure of The Complex – a beloved long-time artist workspace and performance space in Smithfield – which was shut down in January 2026 after an unsuccessful campaign to save the facility.
Dublin City Council is accepting submissions and observations on the proposed development until May 5th.
