Tandragee is in line for a new mixed-use retail and office development in the town centre were given the thumbs-up.
Proposals submitted last April would see the demolition of a derelict property at Church Street.
The application, in the name of Alan Clarke, has now been given the go-ahead by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The location is a prominent site at the corner of Church Street and the Square.
The three-storey building, as it stands in the papers, is described currently as a “derelict commercial property”.
As Armagh I revealed last April, the hope is to demolish the existing building, which sits next to Rumbles fast food takeaway – and across from the iconic Tayto Castle.
The plan is to expand the development on the site and build retail and office accommodation in its place.
The retail element will be located at ground floor, with storage and toilet provision. There will also be a lift and stairs to upper levels.
Offices will be included at first floor level, again with toilet provision and kitchen facilities.
Meanwhile, a two-bedroom apartment – which will include living room, bathroom, kitchen and dining room – will be constructed on the third floor.
The floorspace would stretch to close to 3,500 sq ft.
With a significant investment in Tandragee, the application indicates that six new jobs could potentially be created.
According to a professional planner’s report, the application has brought no objections from the statutory authorities.
DfI Roads feels that, given the town centre location and the “relatively minimal level of site intensification”, there is existing parking to “facilitate development requirements”.
Historic Monuments has also given its backing but has asked – and this is now one of the conditions of approval – that no work takes place until a photographic survey and fabric survey of the building are carried out by the developer. A programme of archaeological work must also be prepared by a qualified archaeologist.
