Why does public art make us feel good?

Creative director David Bickle and artist Bob and Roberta Smith walk and talk it through

How do we make sense of a rapidly changing world?

We think the answer lies in our new H\B Foresight service

How can we design out loneliness?

And build happier, healthier communities

Why does public art make us feel good?

Creative director David Bickle and artist Bob and Roberta Smith walk and talk it through

How do we make sense of a rapidly changing world?

We think the answer lies in our new H\B Foresight service

How can we design out loneliness?

And build happier, healthier communities

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Norman Themed Visitor Centre

A portal into history

A thousand years after the birth of the Conqueror, the new Norman Themed Visitor Centre is a gateway to Wexford’s rich Norman history.

Founded in 1189 by the Norman knight William Marshal and his wife Isabel de Clare, the town of New Ross is distinguished by its Norman heritage. Located along the Quayside, the new Norman Themed Visitor Centre is a portal to the south east’s medieval history, offering a world-class experience to up to 100,000 visitors a year.

The story of Norman history in Ireland is presented in the restoration of two existing buildings—the protected former Bank of Ireland building and the Grain Store. These regenerated buildings are unified by a new link structure that allows them to be experienced as one, and reactivate the connection between the main thoroughfare of South Street and the new developments on the Quay.

Working architectural model of the Norman Themed Visitor Centre. The walls of the buildings are removed to show the inside.

A new pavilion provides flexible space for teaching and events and gives the opportunity for a new frontage to identify the Visitor Centre as a new landmark for the town. Together, these three buildings create a planted courtyard, offering a peaceful oasis within the surrounding streets. Those who climb to the top of the new centre will be able to look down on a map of Norman Wexford in the brickwork of the central courtyard.

Norman Themed Visitor Centre working model

Incorporating a cafe, retail, teaching areas, and exhibition spaces, and providing a new home for the famous Ros Tapestry, the Centre aspires to be a cultural hub that not only preserves the past but also makes it relevant to the present.

Project details

Project name: Norman Themed Visitor Centre

Location: New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland

Value: < €20M

Scope: Architecture, Interior design

Clients: Wexford County Council

Status: Live

Completion date: 2027

Structural engineering: Horgan Lynch

Exhibition design: BRIGHT

MEP engineering: Matt O'Mahoney and Associates

Fire engineering: Jenson Hughes

Quantity surveyor: Tony O'Regan Associates

Archaeology: DNAC

Conservation: Dathanna

Planning consultant: RK Consulting

Environmental consultant: Malone O'Regan Engineers