A LUXURY hotel in Armagh worth £25 million looks set to be given the go-ahead this month after the latest plans were lodged last week.
The development, on the site of the historic former Gaol, will bring with it 350 jobs.
At last month’s Public Services Scrutiny Committee meeting, acting chief executive, Sharon O’Gorman, revealed the ambitious scheme was entering the final approach.
She told attending councillors that approval could come at the end of April..
The former women’s prison is set to be transformed into a four-star 50-bed hotel with spa and conference area.
The public have been largely behind the scheme since it was first mentioned a number of years ago. Many of those who have seen the plans have stressed the need to ensure the character and architecture of the building.
As part of the project, a revamp of the area in front of the Gaol and the creation of a ‘Peace Square’ – which could be used for outdoor theatre events – is also being envisaged.
Another proposal being considered as part of the redevelopment is to reduce the lanes of traffic outside the Gaol from five to two, and to introduce a pedestrian crossing linking up the Mall area.
