BREAKING: KIDCo acquires landmark Kilkenny property

KIDCo – Kilkenny Industrial Development Company, a registered charity formed to promote projects for the benefit of social and economic development in Kilkenny has purchased the previous KBC bank premises on Rose Inn Street Kilkenny.

The building, comprising of 6,600 square feet over three floors, has lain idle since the departure of KBC Bank from Kilkenny a number of years ago. It went on the market earlier this year. 

Having taken possession of the building in recent weeks, KIDCo is supporting Yulefest Kilkenny by providing the ground floor to be used as a workshop and exhibition space in the run – up to Christmas 2024.

KIDCo, has previously developed a number of sites and business premises to facilitate the industrial development and growth of employment in Kilkenny. 

KIDCo says that it is open to wide range of possibilities as to how the potential offered by the location can be used for the benefit of Kilkenny and already it is engaging with a number of individuals and organisations who have expressed an interest in developing projects on the site. It is envisaged that the long-term use of the property will be decided in the coming months.

Possible future uses being considered for the site include: a creative hub, an evolving location for exhibitions and cultural activities, a base for theatre and performing arts organisations, educational and cultural programmes, incubation spaces for innovative and emerging creative businesses.

KIDCo says it hopes that its purchase of the building and possible future uses will enable it to contribute in a meaningful way to a enhance a vibrant city centre area, fronting out onto the Parade open space.

Gerry McGovern, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KIDCo says:

“KIDCo has worked since 1999 in seeking to assist in the growth of business in Kilkenny by meeting a fundamental business need – high quality commercial and office buildings. Over the years we have developed an excellent portfolio of property which now houses well over 1,000 people at work. We have done this on a philanthropic basis for the good of Kilkenny, reinvesting all profits into new projects. In addition we have used profits to support a range of projects and organisations who share our goals of working for the improvement of and making a positive contribution to Kilkenny. The acquisition of this high-profile building begins a new chapter for KIDCo and we are excited about the potential which it represents. We are now engaging in a process to determine what is the optimum use of the building for the future.”

For more information on KIDCo www.kidco.ie