Those who frequent Armagh’s Mall area may have noticed that for the last number of weeks there has been a cordon surrounding the old Mall West Department of Agriculture base.
The cordon which has been in place since the week of January 27, prevents pedestrians from walking along the pavement at the front of the dormant building with signage in place to direct walkers across the street.
It has raised a few eyebrows – is this an indication that works are finally commencing on the now council-owned property?
In 2020, Armagh I reported that plans for £3 million retail development of the building had been axed.
It had been previously been intended to demolish the Department of Agriculture building and build a range of new retail units in its place.
Related: Council agrees to buy Mall West site in Armagh after multi-million pound shops plan falls through
Work had been due to start on the scheme early in 2015 but the proposals hit a brick wall and delayed due to a complete lack of interest by any potential new tenants.
The building formally under the ownership of Department for Communities was instead acquired by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council where a spokesperson speaking at the time confirmed plans to bring it “back into operation”.
However, since its acquisition the building has continued to lay dormant.
By way of an update, a spokesperson for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council confirmed that the cordon is actually in place to allow for works to repair damage caused by Storm Éowyn rather than for any developmental works.
Armagh I have since contacted council to see if there are any plans in the pipeline to bring the Mall West building back into operational use in the near future.
