A cultural revival is on the horizon for the seaside town of Tramore, Waterford, as ambitious plans for a new theatre venue take shape. This project aims to breathe life back into Tramore's once vibrant social and cultural scene, which hosted global icons like Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and Sinéad O'Connor.
The journey towards this exciting development has been a long one, with plans dating back eight years. Garrett Wyse and James Power, founders of the Tramore Area Community Theatre (TACT), have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward.
But here's where it gets controversial... The proposal has gained momentum with the completion of a feasibility study, which has been handed over to senior officials at Waterford City and County Council. The council, in collaboration with TACT, is now taking steps to present the plans to the Tramore Town Centre Management Group (TTCMG), a local body, before advancing to the full council stage.
Mr. Wyse describes it as an exciting development that has been a labor of love for the past three years. TACT was established as the legal entity to progress the concept, bringing together local experts and enthusiasts.
TTCMG, the formal body representing the council, has been instrumental in securing grants and funding for the project. With the feasibility study now complete, the next steps involve gaining approval from various stakeholders and progressing through the council's decision-making process.
And this is the part most people miss... The study identified approximately 14 potential sites, including brownfield, greenfield, and former business locations. The criteria for selecting the ideal site will consider factors such as ownership, accessibility, existing use, parking, and other practical considerations.
Mr. Wyse emphasizes the importance of aligning the development with the town's overall plans, including the local area plan and spatial strategies. He believes that, over time, the list of potential sites will be narrowed down based on these criteria.
"The serious professionalism of the council is now meeting the imagination of the people," Mr. Wyse said. He believes that this development presents an opportunity to address the town's long-standing deficiencies in social, cultural, artistic, educational, training, sporting, and community facilities.
The arts scene in Tramore is just one area that stands to benefit significantly from a dedicated theatre venue. Mr. Wyse recalls the vibrant cultural landscape of Tramore in the 1970s and 1980s, with packed showbands, Christmas pantos, and legendary rock bands gracing its stages.
"Tramore in the early and mid-1970s had about seven hotels and 24 bars. Now, it's down to two hotels and seven bars. The population hasn't increased dramatically, but the catchment area has expanded, bringing in students from miles away," he said.
Mr. Wyse believes that a new theatre could create a critical mass of cultural groups and movements, attracting tourism and providing a much-needed social space for the community.
"Tramore doesn't have a cultural quarter. There are little bits and pieces here and there, but there's no coherent center of gravity. The library is great, but it's overrun with people trying to use it. All these services are bursting at the seams," he added.
A theatre hub could provide a home for local clubs, associations, and visiting artists, bringing together dance, drama, and other performing arts under one roof.
"Even the Christmas pantos used to be huge in Tramore, but they've all gone for lack of facilities and services. Dance and drama clubs had to go elsewhere to do gigs. We need to bring them all together and create a critical mass," Mr. Wyse said.
The proposed development aims to address the town's deficiencies and create a vibrant cultural hub, offering a range of facilities to cater to the needs of its growing population.
So, what do you think? Is this a step in the right direction for Tramore's cultural revival? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
