One of Co Armagh’s most respected employers is planning to build a new special ‘hub’ building for its staff.
Portadown-based Ulster Carpets hopes to construct a detached two-storey development to meet the needs of its workforce.
The new premises would sit separately from all other buildings on the Garvaghy Road site.
Proposals have been drawn up and submitted to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for consideration.
There would be no change to parking arrangements, with 80 spaces remaining available on site.
If approved, most of the ground floor of the new hub would be given over to a new kitchen and seated canteen area.
There would also be male and female toilet provision, as well as an accessible WC and shower.
The building would allow access to the second floor via either stairs or lifts. The upper level would include two boardrooms, as well as a catering and refreshments area. There would be a separate ‘breakout’ area with a teapoint and coffee dock.
There would also be a meeting room, as well as further fully accessible toilet facilities.
Ulster Carpets was founded by George Walter Wilson in 1938 and is still privately owned by the founder’s family.
Described as a unique mark of recognition, Ulster Carpets received its second Royal Warrant in December, bestowed on the manufacturer of luxury carpets for the home and hospitality sectors.
In 2022, the company was one of the final recipients of a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, but this expired upon her passing.
Following a review by the Royal Household, a new Royal Warrant was then issued by King Charles III — a timely pre-Christmas gift!
Indeed, the company was honoured in 2023 to have designed, manufactured and installed over 1,000 square metres of majestic wool-rich Axminster carpets for the Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey.
According to the company’s website: “Ulster Carpets has taken the positive attributes associated with being a family-owned establishment and combined them with a forward-thinking, global approach to business. The result is a technologically advanced, service-driven company with flair, flexibility and a passion for quality.”
And it adds: “While our business is focused on innovation and progress, our place as a family-owned business within the local community is also very important to us.
“We support our local community in many ways, including the John Wilson Memorial Trust, charity initiatives and corporate sponsorship of the Ulster Orchestra and Ulster Youth Rugby.
“We are proud to connect our brand to organisations which embody similar values to ourselves. This reflects our well-established tradition of striving to help the local community.”
The proposals will now be advertised shortly, with a decision expected in due course
