Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford

The Waterford Greenway utilises the old Waterford to Lismore Railway line that passes close to the boundary of the Workhouse Complex of the min 1840’s. This proximity provided a catalyst for the development of a number of previously vacant buildings of the old workhouse. EPCA were appointed initially to convert a small ‘Coach House’ Office into a Coffee Shop which would serve the footfall / cyclists using the Greenway. However within a very short time it was clear that the accommodation and potential of the project would need significant expansion to meet the demand for rest stop facilities.

Over a number of phases of development EPCA obtained planning permission for the redevelopment of the Workhouse buildings to provide a Coffee Shop, Kitchen, Restaurant, external dining areas and the conversion of the upper floors of the former dormitory accommodation to provide a double height Dining Room / Event facility.

As a protected structure it was necessary to work with the existing Workhouse building to retain the original fabric and features and to allow the original use of the building to still be appreciated. The contemporary insertions to the building were designed to be industrial in nature – staircase, balustrading, glazing and flooring, with exposed ceiling services etc.

The completed facility has been a major boost to the Greenway and adjacent town of Kilmacthomas, proving to be a destination for walkers, cyclists and tourists.