A huge leisure development is being planned at Kinnego Marina, Armagh I can exclusively reveal.
Proposals for the site are set to be unveiled at a public event, due to be held in Lurgan early in June.
Little is known at this stage of what is intended.
But what can be confirmed is that is is hoped to replace an existing boat showroom and business units and workshops with a major mixed-use scheme.
This would involve many features but the key components include a new leisure complex and a health and wellbeing facility.
It is hoped to provide tourist accommodation for visitors to make use of the local amenities.
And the proposals involve the construction of a new café too.
There would be business units built which would bring a further and much-needed economic boost.
It is expected also to provide a substantial boost on the local jobs front, both when up and running and throughout considerable construction phases.
In addition, the new mixed-use scheme would earn its ‘green’ credentials through the use of roof-mounted solar panels.
Plans also detail landscaping, parking provision and improvements for both pedestrian and vehicle access, as well as ancillary works.
A pre-application notice has been made to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to advise of intentions.
Such is required when an application would fall within the ‘major’ scale of development.
Indeed, the proposals for Kinnego Marina may also require an environmental impact assessment to be carried out “due to the size of the site area”.
According to the pre-application notice, the earmarked location is at “Kinnego Marina, 27 Annaloist Road, Lurgan”, with the intended development site stretching to over 150,000 sq ft.
Floorspace for the various elements of the mixed-use scheme would total in excess of 75,000 sq ft.
The applicant is locally-based real estate company One-AP Ltd.
Councillors for both Craigavon and Lurgan district electoral areas will be notified of the planned public event in mid-May. And letters will be sent to residents and businesses within 100 metres of the site at least a week ahead of the consultation, due to be held early in June, advising them of how to make their opinions known.
That public event will have display boards and feedback forms too.
When everyone has had the opportunity to have their say, these views will be used to shape and finalise proposals and be followed by an application seeking full permission to proceed.
