Plans to create a new community hub at a former bank in Lurgan have now been given the go-ahead.
The Allied Irish Bank Branch in Market Street has been vacant since it was earmarked for closure in November 2021.
A change of use application subsequently emerged by the locally-based GiG Foundation to bring it back into productive use.
No objections were received against the proposals, which have now been approved, subject to a number of conditions.
Drawings accompanying the application show a mix of facilities, including community meeting rooms, office space, events and coffee area and leisure space, complete with pool table, as well as toilet provision.
The new hub would boast floorspace of close to 6,750 sq ft across two floors.
There would also be 30 parking spaces, including four disabled bays.
The application detailed plans for refurbishment comprising internal layout alterations, external works to the existing building and associated site works.
Part of the existing facade at ground floor would be demolished to extend the glazing. And part of the existing rear facade at ground floor would also be demolished to create a new entrance. The internal fit-out which served the former bank would also be removed to allow for the new layout as a community hub.
DfI Roads said that the “nature and scale of the proposal” did not cause “any concern”, while NI Water said there was “available capacity at the wastewater treatment works” to service this change of use.
HED (Historic Monuments) also assessed the application and, due to scale and nature, was “content” that it was “satisfactory” to “archaeological policy requirements”.
According to a design and access statement: “The overarching rationale for the proposed development is to enhance the functionality and visual quality of the existing building, delivering a high-quality community hub that will serve local residents and visitors to the area.
“The project seeks to improve accessibility, usability, and internal layout, strengthening the site’s role as a focal point for community activity within Lurgan town centre.”
The applicant and design team have developed the proposal to “provide a sustainable and viable community hub that supports community engagement, improves local facilities, and contributes positively to the ongoing regeneration of this part of Lurgan”.
The statement adds: “From the outset the design team has approached this project with a shared vision to develop under-utilised land into a more productive and sustainable use, enhancing the functionality and appearance of the community hub.”
And it confirms economic benefits too, with the “creation of employment during the construction phase and ongoing operational roles associated with the community hub” which will contribute “positively to the local economy”.
The design and access statement points out: “The proposed use will ensure different people activate the site at various times of the day and for various reasons. This creates a vibrant and safe environment that is attractive to everyone.
“The proposal will deliver a modern, inclusive, and sustainable community facility that integrates positively with its town centre setting and supports the needs of local residents and visitors.
“The community hub will provide facilities that meet everyday local needs within a highly accessible town centre location. By accommodating a community function in one location, the development supports sustainable travel patterns and encourages linked trips, reducing the need for additional journeys and supporting walking and short-distance travel within Lurgan town centre.”
ABC Council planners were satisfied that the proposals were acceptable.
In their official report, it was noted: “Officers consider that while this proposal is not part of a mixed-use retail led development, it was never a retail unit on the ground floor which forms part of the primary retail frontage.
“The building has a long history as being used as a bank. This building has been vacant for a long time; the existing ground floor will be retained with offices, where it fronts onto Market Street.
“The whole building will be brought back into use under this proposal, resulting in the maintenance and retention of an important building in Lurgan.”
The applicant will now be informed of the decision with approval conferred.
