A run-down building in the heart of Crossmaglen is set to be given a new lease of life as a café and apartments.
The new mixed-use development at 11 Cardinal O’Fiaich Square – described as a Georgian style property – has been given the thumbs up by planners at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
The ground floor shop unit to the imposing three-storey property has not been in use for over a decade. It appears to have been originally constructed as a house and draper’s shop unit.
Now the applicant – Anthony Donaldson – wants to bring it back into productive use for the betterment of Crossmaglen.
The plans indicate a cafe boasting floorspace of over 1,300 sq ft.
The hours of operation of the proposed café will be limited to Monday to Saturday 7am-10pm and Sunday 8am – 10pm, however, the proposed vendor will chose the hours the operate in due course.
The first floor will consist of a two-bedroom apartment, as well as a one-bedroom studio apartment.
There will also be a two-bedroom apartment at second floor level, following alterations and refurbishment, with a two-storey extension to the rear to provide a second two-bedroom apartment.
Bin storage and all associated works are included within the proposals, which will also involve the demolition of a rear hall, bathroom annex and attached storage sheds to the rear.
The four apartments have “in so far as possible been designed to Lifetime Homes Standards”.
And while they will not individual open space, there is open space landscaping, play area and seating adjacent on Cardinal O’Fiaich Square in front of the site.
The plans are set to be officially rubber-stamped at the next meeting of Council’s planning committee.
