The entire front façade of a long-standing Lurgan town centre shop looks set to be taken down and rebuilt in a bid to “make the building safe”.
The former Music Shop — a two-storey end-terrace property on Queen Street — has experienced sagging at the upper level.
To put that right, the front needs to be replaced completely, with reconstruction also required for part of the adjoining side wall and roof. There would be “structural enhancements and a modernised design” in store too.
Proposals for the works — including traffic management assurances surrounding the development — have been presented to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The property is currently owned and operated by the applicants, print and design studio New Creation, which has been based there for over a decade, having previously traded as a music equipment retailer.
Richhill-based Simon Black Architecture indicates that there will be no major changes other than cosmetic alterations to the front.
The intention is to “rebuild and strengthen the front elevation — and associated front roof and a short return of the side wall — with a modestly updated, contemporary design”.
A design and access statement explains the reasons behind the work and the proposals for carrying it out.
“The upper part of the street façade has started to sag at roof level, indicating structural weakness,” it advises.
“To address this, the proposal is to carefully dismantle and rebuild the front and part of the side elevation wall; strip back, demolish and rebuild the front section of the roof and a short return of the side wall as required for stability; and introduce discreet modern detailing that provides long-term structural integrity while keeping with the rhythm and proportions of the terrace.
“No change of use, no increase in floorspace, and no alteration to the established building height are proposed.
“The rebuilt façade will follow the existing width, storey heights and alignment with adjoining buildings to preserve the terrace rhythm.”
The ground-floor shopfront entrance will retain its current position and scale, while existing signage will be “carefully removed and reinstated following the reconstruction”.
The aim is an “upgrade that tidies the frontage and subtly modernises detailing while maintaining the character of Queen Street”.
Pedestrian and customer access will remain via Queen Street, and there are no changes to entrances or circulation.
During construction, the applicant has confirmed that there will be “safe pedestrian management and temporary hoarding” in place, and they will “coordinate with the roads authority given the proximity to the signalised junction”.
The design statement adds: “The scheme comprises repairs and improvements to an existing commercial building, safeguarding its structural stability and enhancing the street scene without intensifying use or causing harm to residential amenity, traffic, or townscape character. It promotes good design and maintenance of existing buildings.
“The proposal is a necessary, proportionate intervention that makes the building safe, improves its longevity and energy performance, and respects the established character of Queen Street.”
The application will now be advertised shortly.
