BRITAIN’S newest Irish centre in London is expected to open this September, some 18 months after it was originally hoped to be up-and-running.
The Irish Cultural Centre’s new building is entering the final stages of development in Hammersmith, West London, with a total of £3million raised and invested in the premises to date.
ICC General Manager Collette Mackin told The Irish Post that she is hopeful the final touches will be added over the summer.
“The building is being handed over to us in July and we then have a 12-week fit out to do providing we have all the money to do the fit out,” she said adding that £400,000 is still needed to complete the interior of the building.
“We have so far raised £200k of £600k which is needed to complete the project,” Ms Mackin said.
“It’s opening September 2016. There’s no planned date yet for an official opening.”
Plans to redevelop the centre begun in 2010 after Hammersmith and Fulham Council decided to sell the building.
After receiving funding of £550,000 from the Irish Government, as well as additional funding from investors and fundraising, the ICC purchased the freehold of the building for £1.5m.
The new centre, which will have 24 flats above it, will also include a 180-seater performance space, three multi-purpose rooms and a café/bar.
