The historic Ritz Cinema on Main Street, Ballybofey, is being redeveloped into a modern enterprise hub under the SEED project. McCabe Architects’ design preserves the mid-20th-century International Modern façade while adding a new three-storey rear extension to support business innovation.

The project, part of phase one of the €10 million Ballybofey-Stranorlar Regeneration Strategy, is at tender stage to appoint a main contractor, with construction expected to start shortly. The adaptive reuse scheme aims to deliver jobs, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the public realm in the town.

McCabe Architects said: “The SEED Project will involve the careful conservation of its distinctive mid-20th-century International Modern street façade, complemented by a new three-storey rear extension. This adaptive re-use development, when completed, will provide a vibrant enterprise hub, designed to support business growth and innovation.”

The Ritz, originally designed by cinema architect John McBride Neill and opened in 1946, operated as a cinema until 1982 before becoming the Balor Arts Centre until 2008. The building is listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH), which notes: “Although somewhat dilapidated, this striking building represents a rare example of its type and date in Donegal, and is an integral and eye-catching element of the architectural heritage of Ballybofey, adding variety to the streetscape to the east end of the centre of this town.”

The scheme also includes plans for a multi-storey car park and further public realm improvements, reflecting the broader regeneration ambitions for Ballybofey. Local support and heritage protection measures were pivotal after a petition successfully opposed previous proposals to demolish the building.

Discover how Ballybofey’s historic Ritz is being transformed into a future-ready enterprise hub.

(Photo Credits to Donegal 2040 DAC)