Parish Centre, Malahide

The client’s brief sought to support both the faith based mission of the church and the wider lay needs of the Malahide community. Before the project, the parish lacked the facilities needed to deliver that broader community role. By bringing multiple functions together beside the existing church, the new centre creates a stronger campus and a more active civic presence.

The building delicately wraps around three sides of St. Sylvester’s Church, combining new community facilities with sensitive conservation of the existing 19th century structure. A pastoral centre with hall, meeting spaces and café is arranged around a bright central cloister. Above, a priest’s apartment and roof garden provide private accommodation, while car parking is located below.

The project also creates a sequence of contemplative and public spaces around the church. A new sacristy connects directly to the sanctuary and overlooks the ancient well, while a circular chapel and meditation garden provide quieter places for reflection. Together with a new plaza and garden facing the main street, the centre extends the parish’s role in the everyday life of Malahide.

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