A block of single storey garages in Armagh could be demolished and replaced with a new extension for Vibe Church.
Plans for the site adjacent to 1 Little Barrack Street have been submitted to ABC Council for the demolition of the existing building and erection of a new two-storey building.
The new building will provide a retail unit at ground floor level and an extension to the existing church at first floor level, providing an improved main auditorium.
The plans have been submitted by Pastor Darryl Bain, of Vibe Church, and are currently out for consultation with neighbouring businesses, this week, informed of the plans.
The plans form just another part of ambitious expansion plans by Vibe Church.
Proposed plans for Little Barrack Street in Armagh
In October 2023, Vibe were given the green light to demolish a derelict building on the adjoining Scotch Street in order to build a new community hub after a five-year planning process.
The former Calverts Tavern pub and Spiders nightclub will be razed to the ground to make way for the new development.
Concerns were raised that the demolition would be extremely prejudicial to the character of Scotch Street and that the property in question is in a reasonable state of repair and prime for a restoration programme.
However, Council planners moved to allay those fears by stating it would be necessary to add a condition prohibiting demolition of the building until contracts have been signed for the approved redevelopment of the site.
The work will see an “extension to the existing on site church facilities”, together with the creation of a new community hub and retail unit.
The ground floor will have two entrances – the retail unit sits to the left next door to Armagh Indian Nights. The right hand side – with a separate opening – would take visitors through a reception and exhibition area. It would, among other things, include toilet provision, a number of multi-purpose rooms, coffee area and ‘break-out’ area.
On the second floor, there would be three offices, conference room, counselling room, another seated break-out area, additional toilets, main hall and more – and all connected with stairs and lift access.
The third floor would boast a paved terrace, as well as a large teenage games room, next to male and female showers and toilets to the rear.
Plans for the former Spiders Nightclub on Barrack Street
Calverts Tavern was cleared of old furnishings and fittings in 2017 as Belfast-based Frazer Kidd was employed to market the premises, a thriving nightspot during the 1980s and 90s in particular.
The Spiders Nightclub had been located to the rear of the bar and the ground floor site stretches to over 5,000 sq ft.
This new development would make use of the entire site and bring it back into productive use.
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