The Kiltegan Community Network has announced plans for the development of a transformative community hub for the Co. Wicklow village of Kiltegan.

The €2.5m development is being supported by the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation.

The new facility will allow the return of Hub Café, which was forced to close in 2020 during Covid-19 restrictions.

It will be able to reopen on a new community-owned site and establish a purpose-built venue for a host of community amenities and events. 

Eunan McLoughlin Architects have been lined up to design a state-of-the-art facility that meets the diverse needs of the Kiltegan community.

The news was presented to the community at a public town hall meeting, by the members of the project steering committee.

The proposed development will be a bespoke design specific to the community’s needs.

It will not only house the Hub Café which will cater for community groups and supporting activities such as local fundraising events, mother and baby coffee mornings, social events and lunches for older people, children’s activities, training events, and local business meetings and events.

The building incorporate sustainable energy and green initiatives such as a community garden and biodiversity area, solar energy and storage, EV charging points and a living green roof.

Speaking at the announcement, Philip Hanbidge co-chair of Kiltegan Community Network said; “This new Community Hub will support a range of diverse but essential services in the village of Kiltegan, from activities and events that aim to combat rural isolation and loneliness, to resources that will support the economic vibrancy and ambitions of our village.

"The new premises will mark a new chapter in Kiltegan's story and foster a range of resources, activities and initiatives that will transform our community.

"We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation to develop this vital local community hub, which will serve the village of Kiltegan’s diverse community needs now and into the future.

"The contribution of the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation ensures that the project will move forward with both financial security and a clear vision for a vibrant, sustainable future.”

The Malone family have been long term investors in Ireland – in telecoms including Virgin Media, in bloodstock and stud farms, and in commercial hotels as owners of the MHL Hotel Collection, a collection of 13 mainly four and five star hotels including: The InterContinental, Powerscourt, College Green and the Hilton Dublin.  

Estate Manager at Humewood & Castlemartin Estates, and Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation Representative in Ireland, Patricia Higgins said: “This development is a wonderful fit with the values and objectives of the Malone Family Foundation, and I know that John and Leslie Malone are delighted to support the ‘good folks of Kiltegan’ in the development of a Community Hub that will transform their village.

"The Kiltegan Community Network is comprised of extraordinarily committed people, dedicated to sustaining and developing their community, and we look forward to working with them.”