Plans to revive the former Ritz cinema in Ballybofey as an enterprise hub have moved forward to the tender stage.
The vacant main street building is set to be restored with a new 2 and 3-storey contemporary extension added to the rear, along with a multi-storey car park.
The new car park would allow for the Ballybofey Shopping Centre car park to be redeveloped into a civic space.
SEED Project plans for a new civic space on the site of the Ballybofey shopping centre car park.
When completed the Rtiz building is expected to provide 15,000 sqft of flexible open plan office accommodation, capacity for approximately 200 people with meeting rooms, break out space, canteen facilities and toilets.
Plans unveiled by McCabe architects, who were commissioned for the SEED project at the Ritz, show their design inspired by the original art deco facade of the building.
Design for the former Ritz Cinema by McCabe Architects as part of the SEED project for Ballybofey-Stranorlar
Design for the former Ritz Cinema by McCabe Architects as part of the SEED project for Ballybofey-Stranorlar
Design for the former Ritz Cinema by McCabe Architects as part of the SEED project for Ballybofey-Stranorlar
Built in 1945 and first opened in 1946, the Ritz was a cinema until 1982 when the Balor Theatre Company moved in and it became home to the Balor Arts Centre until 2008.
On the SEED project, the architects said: “Dating back to 1945, the Ritz Cinema SEED Project will involve the careful conservation of its distinctive mid-20th-century International Modern street façade, complemented by a new three-storey rear extension. This adaptive re-use development, when completed, will provide a vibrant Enterprise Hub, designed to support business growth and innovation.
“This project aims to bring jobs, activity, and renewed ambition to the area and represents the first phase of a wider regeneration initiative, which will also include a new multi-storey car park and enhanced public realm works in Ballybofey.”
The project is now at tender stage to secure a main contractor.
“Subject to a successful appointment, works are expected to commence in the near future,” said the McCabe team.
Design for the former Ritz Cinema by McCabe Architects as part of the SEED project for Ballybofey-Stranorlar
Design for the former Ritz Cinema by McCabe Architects as part of the SEED project for Ballybofey-Stranorlar
Design unveiled for Ritz cinema transformation in Ballybofey was last modified: January 9th, 2026 by Rachel McLaughlin