Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is celebrating the successful completion of the Armagh City Townscape Heritage scheme, a transformative initiative that has revitalised 12 historic properties across the city centre.
Once underused and in varying states of disrepair, these buildings have now been restored and repurposed into vibrant city accommodation and retail spaces, breathing new life into the heart of Armagh.
The newly transformed properties have introduced nine new retail stores and forty-four modern apartments, enhancing the city’s accommodation options while contributing to a more sustainable and economically resilient city centre.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray, welcomed the completion of the scheme, stating: “This initiative is a powerful example of how heritage-led regeneration can deliver real economic benefits. By restoring these buildings and creating new spaces for living and commerce, we’re boosting footfall, supporting local enterprise, and enhancing the overall appeal of our city. It’s an investment in the future prosperity of Armagh.”
The Armagh City Townscape Heritage scheme is a partnership project supported by ABC Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive which has levered in significant private investment leading to a total investment of over £13m in the regeneration of Armagh’s historic city centre.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has brought 26 Townscape Heritage schemes to 24 towns in Northern Ireland.
Nikki McVeigh, Northern Ireland Committee Member for The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Armagh City’s buildings are central to its character and distinctiveness with influences from the Medieval to modern periods, and to this day they remain one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture.
“The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been investing in Armagh since we were established in 1994, using nearly £2million of funding, thanks to National Lottery players the Townscape Heritage project has been securing the future and retaining the character of the City’s built heritage.
“At the heart of this scheme is the importance of place, and how place and people interact through heritage to create meaningful spaces for communities. A programme of activities for residents, businesses and visitors to learn more about the iconic built and cultural heritage of Armagh City sat alongside the regeneration of buildings to provide new places to live and work.”
The project was delivered in two strands, capital works to 12 properties located on Upper English Street, Scotch Street, and Barrack Street and an education and activity programme, engaging the community in heritage awareness and skills development.
This included the recent public art project, located off Scotch Street, on the side of the TG Hawthorne retail building. Created by artist Fintan Magee, the mural portrays the ‘The Dawn Trio’, three ladies who performed a close harmony at Armagh City Hall during a local concert.
Magee has collaborated with Armagh Theatre Company to recreate the image, using locally sourced window glass to symbolically connect the past and present, and reflect the architectural heritage of the city.
For more information about Armagh City Townscape Heritage scheme visit, www.armaghcityth.com
