CONSTRUCTION on St Michael’s Residential and Community project in Bandon is set to recommence after a new contractor came on board, writes Kieran O’Mahony.

Work on the project at South Main Street/Weir Street, which was 70% complete, paused last April when the contractor went into receivership.

But the centre confirmed that it has signed a contract with Walsh Construction Group to complete the project.

‘Construction will commence after Easter and will be completed in six months,’ said a spokesperson.

A two and three-storey building facing onto Weir Street has been demolished and a new three-storey development containing four one-bed residential units, a new community room and support facilities is being built.

It will also see the refurbishment of the existing three-storey building facing onto South Main Street to prove two one-bedroom units on the second floor and support facilities.

‘We would like to thank the Bandon community and business groups for their patience,’ said the St Michael’s spokesperson.

‘We look forward to the completion of the new facility and welcoming everyone in when our doors open later this year.’

St Michael’s will continue to provide services out of Bandon Town Hall in the meantime.

Cllr Ann Bambury (SD) welcomed the much-anticipated news for the community.

‘The staff, volunteers and everyone who avails of services through St Michael’s are very excited to see this major project come to fruition this year,’ she said.

‘The upgrade will bring significant benefits, helping to support ageing in our community.’