Plans have been submitted that could see a new Lurgan bar premises refurbish its upper floors into duplexes and flats, accommodated by making internal adjustments to their existing pub and off sales layout.
Pertaining to 99 – 103 William Street in Lurgan, the plans were submitted to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the name of Mr James French, the owner of JP’s at the Railway bar.
Formerly known as The Railway Bar, the historic premises has been part of the fabric of Lurgan for almost two centuries. It was rebranded JP’s at the Railway in January 2025, when it came under Mr French’s ownership.
The application seeks permission for several changes to the bar premises and first and second floors of the property.
If approved, internally there would be a partial removal of a first floor storage area to create an open smoking area and relocation of an off sales area to create access from the existing entrance door on Brownlow Terrace.
The existing entrance door and window to the off sales area who then be removed to provide an exit from the proposed first floor flats.
In regards to the apartments, the proposals seek permission to refurbish two existing dwellings on the first and second floors.
The refurbishment would see the creation of two, “three-person, two-bed duplex units” and a change from one six-bedroom duplex into one, “four person, two-bed duplex” and two, “three person, two-bed flats”.
Proposing a total of six new residential units in total across a 0.7 hectare site.
In the existing off sales space on the ground floor, there would be a new stairwell created with a space for bin storage.
A kitchen on the ground floor would also be removed to make way for the proposed partially covered smoking area. Additional bin storage would also be created just off the smoking area.
Internally, where a “snug” is currently situated the application seeks to create the new off sales space, with the current bar service area to the left being utilised as an extended “pool room”.
On the first floor, the current living space with storage would be transformed into six residential units.
Three of the duplexes comprise their own individual stairwells leading from living space onto a second floor, where bedrooms and bathrooms would be located.
The remaining three residential units are all self-contained flats.
Removal of the existing signage to William Street and Brownlow Terrace elevations is also included in the submission.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
