Work on the controversial Picture Palace arthouse cinema in the city is set to resume in October following a myriad of recent delays.
It’s now estimated that the long-awaited cultural venue will be completed in time for the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2017.
Contractors originally planned to return to the project in July last to coincide with the arrival of European Capital of Culture judges.
However, works at that time failed to materialise.
Since the development began in July 2009, it has been dogged by repeat issues which have seen works stalled numerous times over the past seven years.
To date, an estimated 9 million euro has been funnelled into the project – including the value of the site at Lower Merchants Road donated by the City Council.
Once completed, the Picture Palace arthouse cinema will be managed and operated by Dublin-based firm Element Pictures on a 35 year lease.
Fianna Fail city councillor Mike Crowe argues the amount of money poured into the development is scandalous.
Labour city councillor Niall McNelis says while the delays have been unfortunate, the completed Picture Palace will be a huge addition to Galway’s cultural offering.
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