Concept Design – Former Dun Mhuire Theatre Site

This conceptual proposal for a new Music and Community Theatre in Wexford Town reimagines the historic Dun Mhuire Theatre site as a vibrant cultural anchor for the town and wider region. The design seeks to celebrate Wexford’s rich artistic tradition while providing a contemporary, flexible venue that supports performance, participation and community life.

The building is conceived as a bold yet welcoming civic presence, with a strong architectural form that announces its public role both day and night. A sculptural façade, animated through texture and integrated lighting, creates a distinctive identity and establishes the theatre as a new landmark within the urban fabric. At night, the building becomes a lantern for the arts, reinforcing its role as a place of gathering and shared experience.

Public arrival is carefully choreographed through landscaped approaches and a generous forecourt, encouraging informal meeting and social interaction before and after performances. Internally, the theatre is organised around a clear and legible layout, with a flexible performance space supported by rehearsal, community and ancillary facilities. This adaptability allows the building to accommodate a wide range of uses, from music and theatre productions to workshops, exhibitions and community events.

The proposal places strong emphasis on accessibility, inclusivity and civic engagement, ensuring the building is open, intuitive and welcoming to all users. In re-establishing a cultural venue on this important site, the design aims to honour the legacy of the former Dun Mhuire Theatre while providing a contemporary platform for creativity, education and community expression in Wexford Town.