SHANDON residents are calling for the keys to the former Cork Butter Exchange arguing that they could open and operate the venue for a fraction of the cost of the various multi-million euro proposals which have been sidelined over the years.
Members of the Shandon Area Renewal Association have grown tired of seeing the padlocked building lie idle and are calling for vital work to be completed immediately to allow them put it to use.
Tadhg McCarthy argues that locals would support any City Council project but a multi-million euro plan may never get the green light, while volunteers could have the centre up and running, generating tourism revenue, almost immediately.
*Cork Butter Exchange. Picture by Denis Minihane
“They’re talking about this massive project which could cost anything from €8million to €10million which they will probably never get.
“If they were to let us use it on a small scale you’re talking €30,000 to €40,000 to get it open with the repairs that would be required.
“In the interim, let us do the small scale and this big scale can kick in in the long term if they get the finances.”