London Irish Centre appoints Sisk for £38m Camden redevelopment

The London Irish Centre in Camden has appointed construction group Sisk as the main contractor for a £38 million redevelopment of its facilities. The project will transform the existing two-storey building on Camden Square into a three-floor cultural and community hub.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2029. During this period, the centre will remain operational, relocating its welfare and support services to temporary local offices while running its cultural programme through partner venues across London.

The expanded facility will introduce London’s first dedicated Irish theatre alongside a multi-purpose performance space and a 130-seat studio theatre and cinema. Additional amenities will include a heritage and archive centre, a public library holding over 7,000 Irish literary works, a multi-level bar, a cafe, and dedicated spaces for artistic rehearsal and creative collaboration.

Funding for the initiative is being drawn from the Irish government and substantial donor pledges. This capital injection highlights the ongoing economic and cultural commitment to supporting the Irish diaspora in Britain, extending beyond entertainment to include vital enterprise, learning, and welfare infrastructure.

Rosaleen Blair, chair of the London Irish Centre, described the appointment as a major milestone following nearly a decade of planning. She noted that engaging Sisk provides a world-class builder to deliver a facility matching the aspirations of the Irish community in Britain.

Blair added that the organisation has already secured pledges covering a meaningful proportion of the estimated £36 million to £38 million cost. The immediate priority remains securing the remainder of the funding to fully underwrite the centre's future operations and development.

For over 70 years, the centre has served as a foundational resource for the Celtic community in London. Its services have historically ranged from traditional music sessions and Gaelic classes to community meals, hardship grants, and wellbeing advice.

The redevelopment represents a significant capital project for the local Camden economy, entrusting a major construction firm with a multi-million pound public-facing development. It also underscores the role of diaspora-focused institutions in sustaining cultural heritage alongside essential social support networks.