The cultural centre itself will also be known as Aonach Mhacha (Assembly of Mhacha – the pagan Celtic warrior queen who gave her name to the city of Armagh). Six cultural organisations will become anchor tenants in the building and utilise the facilities. The company is a registered charity and profits generated by the trading activities of this social enterprise will be
reinvested in cultural, social, arts, education and recreational projects in the Armagh area.
Aonach Mhacha aims to develop and deliver a series of cultural and community projects which will be additional to the activities carried out by the anchor tenants. These will include language classes, social enterprise training, cultural tourism events, art & cultural heritage exhibitions, concerts, festivals, musical and dance performances, workshops, seminars and community development initiatives. Facilities will include: community meeting rooms, office accommodation, playschool, Café, a gift shop, a multi-purpose area for performance/dance, workshop and media suite.
The estimated £1.2M development of Aonach Mhacha as an Irish Language Cultural Centre will have a significant impact upon the social and economic situation in recessionary times. Aonach Mhacha will enhance the proposed regeneration of this part of the city centre which links the Neighbourhood Renewal area to the historic conservation area.
The new cultural enterprise hub will make the area safer and more attractive to visitors and will increase footfall in the area, contributing to the evening economy. It will generate custom for local enterprises, such as restaurants and licensed venues which will be contracted to provide services for the centre during festivals, concerts and other activities. Educational, creative arts and community projects will also be attracted to the location
