The site selected was previously occupied by the old county gaol which was built in the late 18th century.

[3][4] At an early stage, the building also became the offices and meeting place of the town commissioners for Mullingar.

[6] The building became an important venue for public events: the actor and future playwright, Harold Pinter, appeared on stage in the 1950s,[7] the future Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, gave a speech to a large audience, on being selected as Fianna Fáil candidate for the Longford–Westmeath constituency in the 1977 general election,[8][9] and the pop singer, Joe Dolan, took part in a concert there in 1995.

[10] An extensive programme of refurbishment works, intended to create a performing arts centre with a 400-seat theatre, was undertaken by Glenman Corporation at a cost of £1.4 million in the late 20th century.

After completion of the works, the building was officially re-opened by the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mary O'Rourke, on 19 November 1998.