Solar panels could be installed at the Old Courthouse in Markethill in a bid to ensure the “long-term sustainability and viable community use” of the historic building.
Listed building consent is being sought for the move, with proposals lodged with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
But that said, the applicants, Markethill District Enterprise Ltd, have pointed out that the ‘solar photovoltaic panels’ would not actually be on the main building itself, which dates back to 1842.
Rather, 28 panels would be put in place on a more modern extension.
Furthermore, they would be largely shielded from public view.
Such intervention would save an estimated £2,047 a year – with an estimated carbon reduction of around two-and-a-half tonnes annually.
The Old Courthouse today serves as a multi-use community hub and is also home to the popular Courtrooms Restaurant.
Markethill District Enterprises Ltd has secured funding through a Sustainable Communities Grant to facilitate the installation of the panels and “associated energy-saving measures within the Courthouse complex”.
According to a design and access statement: “The proposed works form part of a wider strategy to improve the environmental performance and operational sustainability of the building while ensuring its ongoing conservation and community use.
“Current electricity consumption at the property is approximately 27,991 kWh per annum, resulting in substantial operating costs.
“The installation of solar panels will reduce dependence on grid electricity, lower energy expenditure, and contribute towards the reduction of carbon emissions.
“The proposal represents a proportionate and carefully considered intervention that balances sustainability objectives with the preservation of the building’s special architectural and historic interest.”
The Old Courthouse in Markethill constructed in 1842 to the designs of Thomas Duff, notable architect of Newry Cathedral and a number of significant 19th Century buildings throughout Ulster.
It has stood at the centre of the County Armagh town for over 180 years and retains considerable historic and architectural significance.
It operated as a Courthouse until the final sitting on October 11, 1940.
Vacant for a time, it was to find a new lease of life as a clothing factory in the mid-1950s, remaining as such until 1970.
It suffered extensive deterioration and water ‘ingress’ when left vacant sone again, until Markethill District Enterprises Ltd took over the building in 1997, and it underwent substantial restoration and renovation works, beginning in 1999 under the direction of the Belfast-based Consarc Design Group.
According to the design statement: “These works included the construction of a modern extension to the side and rear of the original Courthouse building to facilitate day care and community use facilities.
“The historic Courthouse building and its associated community use continue to make an important contribution to the social and architectural character of Markethill.
“The proposal consists of the installation of 28 solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of the existing modern extension to the rear/side of the courthouse building.”
The solar panels will be located “solely on the roof of the modern extension and will not require any alteration to the original Courthouse structure or historic roofing materials. No panels will be installed on the slate roofs or other historic building fabric”.
And due to their location behind existing parapet walls, the panels “will not be visible from the principal elevation of the building and will have very limited visibility from surrounding roads and footpaths”.
The work has been specifically designed to “ensure the protection of historic fabric throughout both installation and operation”.
There would be no change to existing public access arrangements during works.
The applicants conclude: “The proposed installation of solar photovoltaic panels represents a sensitive and appropriate
intervention that supports the long-term sustainability and viable community use of The Old Courthouse, Markethill.
“The proposal avoids harm to historic fabric, preserves the character and setting of the listed building, and delivers meaningful environmental and operational benefits through reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions.
“As custodians of the building, Markethill District Enterprises Ltd remain committed to ensuring the continued preservation and long-term future of this important historic structure.
“The proposed grant-funded works will contribute significantly towards reducing operational costs and supporting the
ongoing conservation and community use of the building.”
The proposals will now be advertised shortly with council to consider the Courthouse application and deliver its verdict in due course.
