A second multi-million pound bid for cash to regenerate derelict buildings in Armagh City Centre is on course for completion early next year.
January is the deadline for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to make a submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund for additional money to totally transform the face of the city centre.
And January also marks one year since the first funding bid saw £1.98 million being awarded under the Townscape Heritage Initiative.
Entire streets in Armagh will be rejuvenated and their appearances enhanced as a result of the funding.
Among those buildings expected to be improved is the old Dunnes Stores at English Street.
Council officials are continuing to press ahead in preparing the second funding application which would, if successful, allow for the works to be extended.
Chartered architect Keith Gilmour has now been appointed as project manager. He previously served in a managerial capacity on a townscape heritage scheme in Richhill and has extensive experience in similar initiatives across Northern Ireland.
The Townscape Heritage Partnership – established after the first successful cash award – held its first meeting in June and the second is due to take place this month.
A Conservation Architect-led team was appointed early in the summer and has been working towards compiling a list of in the region of 40 properties to be include in the scheme.
These will be afforded high, medium and reserve properties and works undertaken as funding allows.
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