Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has announced the launch of a new community engagement process to help shape the future of the Armagh Gaol Transformation Project.
The strategic importance of Armagh Gaol has also been recognised through the Armagh Place Plan, which identifies the site as a priority for the city.
The Place Plan highlights the need to secure the Gaol’s long-term sustainability by diversifying its uses and developing it as a multifunctional space that supports the economic, social and cultural life of Armagh.
Armagh Gaol is one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in Armagh City. Located prominently overlooking The Mall, the Gaol represents a unique opportunity to restore and preserve an important heritage asset, while contributing to the wider social and economic regeneration of the city centre.
The Armagh Gaol Transformation Project seeks to strengthen Armagh’s position as a leading cultural destination, complementing the city’s renowned Saint Patrick’s cathedrals, built environment and wider historic assets while creating new opportunities for residents, visitors and local businesses.
The site has remained vacant since 1986. Although the Gaol was acquired by the council in 1997, previous attempts to regenerate the building did not progress.
In recent years, however, a significant opportunity has emerged through the Mid South West Growth Deal, providing a renewed platform to take a fresh and ambitious approach to the regeneration of the site. This funding will support the development of a viable mixed-use proposal that secures the long-term future of the Gaol.
Councillor Scott Armstrong, Councillor Ashley Mallon, Kieran Carlin, Carlin Planning, Lord Mayor ABC Council Alderman Stephen Moutray, Deputy Chief Executive ABC Council, Councillor John Óg O’Kane and Councillor Sarah Duffy.
As part of the next stage of the project, the Council is inviting local residents, community organisations, businesses and other stakeholders to take part in a programme of engagement to help inform the future direction of the Gaol.
A range of engagement sessions will take place over the coming months, alongside an open day for the wider public to participate and share their views on the future of the site, on Saturday, March 14, from 10am to 3pm.
Booking is essential – to book a time slot please visit, www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/armaghgaol
The engagement process will focus on exploring a range of potential uses and identifying those which best support the social, economic and environmental sustainability of Armagh City. Feedback gathered through this process will play a key role in shaping the emerging proposals and informing the business case currently being progressed for the project.
Carlin Planning are facilitating the stakeholder engagement sessions on behalf of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, for further information or if you would like to give your views, please email info@carlinplanning.com or visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/armaghgaol
The Mid South West Growth Deal is a long term, regionally coordinated investment programme that brings together councils, government and partners to drive economic growth across the region. Armagh Gaol was identified as a priority project within the MSW Regional Economic Strategy, recognising its strategic importance to Armagh City and its potential to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration.
