UK Civic Trust Award for Carlow VISUAL

In providing Ireland with a significant new arts space to showcase contemporary visual arts and a theatre of national and international importance, this delightful new building is located in an area that has being designated as the cultural hub of Carlow. The detailing is simple, beautiful and thoughtfully considered and very much in the spirit of the concept of what a gallery should be.

The George Bernard Shaw Theatre is very flexible comprising an orchestra pit and raised stage area. The building has quickly been adopted by the local community for its own use with local drama groups and youth orchestras using the theatre for both practice and performance.

Theo Cullinane, Managing Director of BAM, said of the award: 'BAM is thrilled but not surprised that VISUAL has been in the limelight as it is such a stunningly lovely building.'

VISUAL has received a number of accolades this year. At the recent IPI (Irish Planning Institute) 2010 Awards in February, VISUAL were presented the Category (A) Planning Achievement Award (Regeneration/Public Realms) by Mr John Gormley TD, Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. VISUAL has also been listed by the Irish Times, as one out of 'Top 10 Irish Treasures' to visit.

Construction of the €18 million centre began in September 2007 and was completed in July 2009. The gross internal floor area is 3130m². Works involved the construction of the 355 seat George Bernard Shaw Theatre, 5 separate gallery spaces with public and administrative support accommodation including a restaurant, kitchen, associated stores and workshop areas.

BAM Building Ltd is the wholly owned main building contracting division of BAM Contractors. BAM Building ranks among the top 6 building contractors operating nationally and has successfully delivered quality projects of the largest scale for the most prestigious clients.

Further information: Mike Jones, Business Development Director, BAM Building Ltd, 045 886 400.