‘Big boost’ for Lurgan with plans lodged for major mixed-use development

A major mixed-use retail and residential development is being planned in Lurgan.

The proposals, which have been submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, refer to a site just off the main street.

Buildings presently on site – previously used for retail – would be demolished.

And the intention is to construct three new shops, together with a total of 19 housing units.

No indication of intended tenants for the retail units has been given at this time but it has been estimated around 16 jobs would be in place when up and running.

In terms of the residential elements of the plans, this would comprise 10 semi-detached houses and a total of nine apartments, which would be built in two blocks.

The earmarked location is given in the application as ’27 Castle Lane and 38E Windsor Avenue’.

The three shops would sit side-by-side, two of them offering floorspace of 1,330 sq ft each and the larger of the new units measuring 2,560 sq ft.

There would be apartments directly to the rear of the shop, separated by an ‘external service corridor’.

Of all 19 residential units, nine would be two-bedroom and 10 would be three-bedroom properties.

A total of 36 parking spaces are being planned too by the applicant, which is GSDL Ltd, of Finaghy.

A concept plan states: “The site is currently occupied by a large, vacant retail unit. Retail is retained to the car park frontage. Scale of the retail is sympathetic to the mixed use character of context.

“The density, overall massing and scale of the new residential and retail buildings are comparable to those found in the immediate area.”

It adds: “Areas of communal open space have been provided to the rear of apartment block 1 and to the front of apartment block 2. The total area is approximately 168sqm. A number of the apartments also include private gardens and balconies.”

Described as a “short walk” from Lurgan Park, the applicant believes the proposals will represent a big boost for Lurgan.

“The proposal will introduce a new, modern mixed-use development, suitable for this prime site, helping to further enhance the vitality and viability of the area,” the concept statement adds.

The application will now be advertised shortly.

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