The former Ulster Bank building in Lurgan town centre is to be brought back into productive use.
The three-storey listed building at Market Street in the town is something of a local landmark.
It closed its doors for the final time in March 2024, one of 10 branches earmarked for the axe in a statement released by the bank in November 2023.
Now, just over a year-and-a-half after the shutters came down for the final time and it looks like a new tenant will be taking over the property.
The old Ulster Bank building is located at 14-16 Market Street.
The new occupier is one of Northern Ireland’s leading legal practices which currently operates from another unit on Market Street.
Campbell and Haughey Solicitors – which would mark 50 years in operation in 2028 – would be making use of the extensive building.
The Grade B listed building hosted a branch of the bank on Market Street for many years, before it closed in the spring of 2024. It was subsequently placed on the market in December of the same year in the hope of finding a new use going forward.
Proposals have now been drawn up on behalf of Campbell and Haughey Solicitors and submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
The proposals indicate new signage at the Market Street property.
The application is for one illuminated projecting sign and three shop signs on the front elevation.
According to the solicitors’ website, the practice was founded in May 1978.
Today, it operates out of premises at 85 Market Street in Lurgan, as well as offices in Belfast and Dublin. Most recently, an office was opened at Main Street in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone.
Their website adds: “We have expanded from the original two principals to a cohort of two directors, 10 solicitors, one consultant, two apprentice solicitors and 19 ancillary staff. The current directors are Keith Hamilton and Michael Donaghy.”
When advertised for sale, the listing said the premises was “suitable for a variety of uses, subject to any necessary statutory consents”.
The present proposal on signage indicates a new ’name over the door’ and is now being looked at by ABC Council with a decision to follow.
