Almost £2m of National Lottery funding has been secured to regenerate Lurgan’s historic town centre, it was announced today.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded the grant to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in support of a five-year Townscape Heritage project to breathe new life into the commercial heart of Lurgan and celebrate its rich built and cultural heritage.
Announcing the award, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this heritage-led regeneration will transform Lurgan’s historic streetscape, helping to attract new residents and businesses to the town centre and boost the local economy.
“The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area was chosen as an investment priority for HLF in 2013. Since then we’ve worked with local groups and organisations to develop heritage projects that matter to them and bring real benefits to local people.
“And I am delighted to report that as we come to the end of our current Strategic Plan, HLF has supported 34 different projects and invested more than £6m into the local area.”
Lurgan was once a thriving market town with an architectural heritage dating back to the 17th century. But today many of the historic buildings which give the town centre its unique character have fallen into disrepair and are underused or vacant.
The new project will support the repair and conservation of twenty-five historic properties within the town’s Conservation Area, bringing back into sustainable use much-needed, valuable commercial floor space and providing new residential accommodation opportunities.
A programme of 50 events and activities will help attract new visitors to the town centre to celebrate its unique heritage, revitalising the area and repositioning Lurgan as a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Welcoming the award, Councillor Julie Flaherty, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, said: “I am thrilled that the Lurgan Townscape Heritage scheme has secured almost £2m from the HLF, and I am delighted to announce that ABC Council is adding over £2m in additional funds to support the scheme.
“Heritage-led regeneration is a great way to promote civic pride and access to local places, and I welcome this scheme, along with a number of complimentary heritage activities.”
Councillor Joe Nelson, Chair of Lurgan Townscape Heritage Partnership added: “Our council has committed to developing and enhancing this borough in a sustainable way, increasing community understanding and enjoyment of the natural and built environment.
“Restoring and revitalising buildings within conservation areas is a key part of protecting our rich and varied built heritage for current and future generations to enjoy.”
HLF’s Strategic Plan 2013-2018 included support to develop good projects in areas that were previously under-represented.
An investment target for the ABC Council area was set at £3m and later increased to £4m. Thanks to National Lottery players the £6m investment has supported 34 projects, including work to conserve and share traditional blacksmithing skills at Moneypenny’s Forge; trace the musical heritage of members of Armagh Pipers Club; examine the impact and legacy of the First World War; and support the Robinson Library.
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