A Co Armagh architects company has created a conceptual idea of what could be possible for Marlborough House and the future of Craigavon.
Over the years, Marlborough House has been a hot topic of conversation, with many arguing that the unsightly building should be demolished to make way for something more modern.
That conversation was closed for good when news broke that the building had been granted a Grade B1 listing, protecting it from demolition or external alterations.
And with confirmation that the building is here to stay, local architects McCreanor and Co shared their new vision of how the building could be adapted.
What the McCreanors say started out as ‘simply an idea’ in arguing for the retention and reuse of Marlborough House has grown into something bigger… a creative re-imagining of how Craigavon could function, connect and grow again.
And, this isn’t the first time the McCreanors created a conceptual design of Marlborough House.
A bird’s eye view of the main roundabout and suggested amphitheatre
Back in February of this year, McCreanors made a design focusing on turning Marlborough House into “a larger, contemporary structure that provides practical and aesthetic value to the community“, with Paul McCreanor saying: “To demolish it entirely would be to erase a key part of Craigavon’s narrative.”
Now seven months later, and listing status granted, the group have created a new concept that further integrates the building into the surrounding infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Paul McCreanor said: “This project began as an exploration of alternatives to demolition for Marlborough House.
“As local architects with a deep connection to the area, we felt it was important to look beyond the surface and imagine what could be possible.
“Love it or hate it, Marlborough House has a distinct architectural identity, one that, in its own way, helps define Craigavon’s character, much like the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty does for their cities.”
McCreanor’s feed into the original ‘New City’ concept for Craigavon by providing increased focus on community, experience and connectivity.
Improved connective pathways
Continued Paul: “Our vision proposes renovating and extending Marlborough House to accommodate a rich mix of uses: educational, community, and potentially residential, whilst transforming the surrounding vacant land and oversized roundabouts into a connected civic quarter: a true heart for Craigavon.
“At its centre, the main roundabout is reimagined as a sunken amphitheatre and parkland space, working with the existing landscape, reminiscent of Solitude Park in Banbridge, but on a larger, more integrated scale.
“Inspired by Roman amphitheatres, the concept is to create a civic space for learning, dialogue, and everyday life which is strengthened by its proximity to the proposed education facility.
“To the northeast, along Lake Road, the proposal is bookended by a large community building designed to host events and exhibitions, a flexible venue where Christmas Markets can be hosted which then spill into the amphitheatre, art installations can be displayed, pop up galleries can be accommodated providing a space for the community to gather year-round.
“It remains a conceptual study, but the goal is clear: to show that Craigavon can evolve, not through demolition or short-term fixes, but through bold, thoughtful reuse and civic imagination.”
