Picture MCC: Project Manager John McGrath speaking to the audience at the Bauhaus Awards after receiving the recognition.
Meath County Council’s THRIVE Navan Cultural Quarter project has received European recognition at the 2026 New European Bauhaus Awards in Brussels.
The project was selected as a finalist in the Small Municipalities Award category before being recognised as one of the winning projects at the awards on Thursday, 15th October.
According to Meath County Council, THRIVE was the only Irish project represented at this year’s New European Bauhaus Awards.
The project will see the historic St Finian’s Seminary Study Hall in Navan transformed into a new Community Hub and County Archive.
Navan project showcased in Brussels
Meath County Council was represented at the awards by Director of Services Martin Murray, Project Manager John McGrath and Administrative Lead Ashling Buchanan.
They were joined by representatives from the Southern Regional Assembly, which has supported the development through European funding programmes.
During the event, John McGrath and representatives from the Southern Regional Assembly gave a joint presentation on the vision and progress of the THRIVE Navan Cultural Quarter project.
The presentation was delivered to an international audience including European Commission delegates, Managing Authorities from EU Member States, policymakers, architects, designers, planners and regeneration specialists.
It showcased how the historic St Finian’s Seminary Study Hall is being transformed into a new Community Hub and County Archive, creating a major cultural and community destination for County Meath.
The New European Bauhaus initiative recognises projects which bring together sustainability, inclusion and design.
Martin Murray, Director of Services at Meath County Council, said the recognition provided an opportunity to showcase the work underway in Navan.
“It was an honour for us to present the THRIVE Navan Cultural Quarter project in Brussels and to showcase the exciting work underway in Navan to an international audience,” he said.
“The project demonstrates how a historic building can be sensitively restored and given a new purpose at the heart of the community.
“The recognition received through the New European Bauhaus Awards reinforces the importance of creating sustainable, inclusive and people-focused spaces that will benefit current and future generations.”
Project Manager John McGrath, to his left, Director of Services Martin Murray, and Ashling Buchanan, Administrative Lead.
Community input shapes project
Meath County Council also acknowledged the contribution of local community groups, cultural organisations, residents and other stakeholders who have taken part in consultations, workshops and engagement events during the development of the project.
The council said this input has helped shape plans for the future Community Hub and County Archive.
The THRIVE Navan Cultural Quarter project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027.
The project aims to create a new cultural, community and heritage facility while preserving one of Navan’s historic buildings.
