Ratoath Community Centre Theatre

Deaton Lysaght Architects were asked by a committee of Ratoath people in 1999 to revitalise the Community Centre.  This building originated in the 1980s as a small sports hall, which was by 1999 unsuitable for the wide range of activities demanded by the expanding village population.

It was decided to integrate the new building with the original hall, and also to expand the accommodation to form a linked pedestrian precinct with two adjoining developments, with a restrained vernacular design to integrate into the village streetscape.  The civic quality of the project was emphasised by the use of white limestone on the front elevation, and the forming of a landscaped civic space at the entrance, marking the heart of the village. The accommodation comprises a multifunctional theatre / general purpose room in the original hall, with ground floor restaurant, crèche and toilet facilities, with dance studios, meeting rooms, and youth facilities at the first-floor level. Within a short time, the theatre "The Venue" has achieved recognition for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, for concerts and theatrical productions, and the restaurant has established itself as an atmospheric meeting place for all users of the building and members of the community. The project was completed in 2006.