ReImaginePlace.ie is a new online centre of excellence to be used by local communities, planners, architects and designers to lead creative change in villages, towns and cities throughout Ireland. The website is part of the Reimagine initiative run by the Irish Architecture Foundation, a national programme for co-design and placemaking, matching architects with local partners and enabling communities to play an active role in the development of their own neighbourhoods. 

The ReImagine website and publication features seven key community projects across Kilrush (Co.Clare), Letterkenny (Co.Donegal), Loughrea (Co.Galway), Dundrum (Co.Dublin), Tallaght (Co.Dublin), Kells (Co.Meath) and Mohill (Co.Leitrim) and the Irish Architecture Foundation will also be working with ten new communities in the next three years, as well as developing a major international conference bringing together global best practices in placemaking. 

Speaking at the launch of Reimagine Place, Nathalie Weadick, Director of the IAF, said: “Making our local communities more liveable is at the very heart of the IAF’s Reimagine programme. The importance of this has become even more evident after the challenges of 2020. After such a positive experience with our pilot Reimagine programme last year, I am delighted to announce we will be inviting more communities to take part in the Reimagine programme in 2021.  

“This year we have all realised the importance of our local communities, but we have also recognised value the strength of community in Ireland. and as we learn to withstand and recover, we are making a commitment to these communities to help build a better future. By bringing together architects, designers and local people with a desire for positive change, the Reimagine programme will enable people to take part and lead creative change in their communities, neighbourhoods, towns, or villages.” 

Officially launching the initiative, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said: “Reimagine is an excellent example of how the Government’s culture and wellbeing programme can inspire and transform people, place and communities through creativity. The design of buildings, streets, parks and neighbourhoods can support good physical and mental health. It can help reduce health inequalities, improve people’s wellbeing and support climate change adaptation.”

The Reimagine project has been supported by Creative Ireland Programme’s National Creativity Fund.