Five representatives of ABC Council will next month meet with Stormont Ministers to directly object to the proposed listing of Marlborough House.
Both Finance Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have agreed to sit down with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough delegation to discuss the controversial move.
The towering complex – opposite Rushmere Shopping Centre – was built in the 1970s as an office block as part of the initial development of the new city of Craigavon.
Marlborough House is currently owned by the Department of Finance, which plans to vacate the premises entirely by the end of 2025.
Listed buildings are those that have ‘special architectural or historic interest,’ meaning planning permission for these properties is restricted.
There are those within Stormont circles who feel that the building has special merits, while others are of the view that it is dated, depressing and prone to dereliction when the lock is finally turnend in the key.
ABC Council has subscribed to the latter school of thought and was both shocked and bemused when informed of the Department’s listing plans.
It was on September 13 that council was consulted by the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division regarding the proposed listing of Marlborough House under section 80 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Act 2011.
A deadline for response had been given early in November and this was later extended.
Councillors were not backwards in coming forwards in voicing strong opposition to the listing at October’s planning and subsequently full council sittings.
Council made the decision to write to the Ministers for Economy, Finance and Communities requesting a delegation from council be facilitated to discuss the thorny issue.
A letter was also issued from the Chief Executive Roger Gardiner to HED advising that council required additional time to obtain professional advice in order to make an informed response.
HED agreed to an extension of the consultation period until January 8.
Officers then wrote to and met with HED officials and asked that the consultation period be further extended until May 31, next year, “in order that appropriate senior expertise be procured to ensure a comprehensive response is delivered”.
Economy Minister Conor Murphy responded in November to say the matter should be directed the Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
She, meanwhile, and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have agreed to a joint meeting with a council delegation on January 21.
This will take place at Parliament Buildings Stormont.
Council has been told the the delegation will include Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy and Chief Executive Roger Gardiner. They would be accompanied by the Chair of the Planning Committee.
Two additional spaces are available on the delegation, yet to be decided, but councillors have been told it is “felt one should be allocated to an officer with the appropriate knowledge of the matter”.
Most read today
Operator’s Licence Notice
