Plans have been submitted to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council seeking permission for the “urgent” demolition of the façade of a building on a busy Lurgan street which has become structurally unsafe.
The building – based on William Street – became unstable during renovation works on 14th March.
As a result, the street was closed in both directions as a precaution and has remained closed since.
Plans have now been submitted in the name of Thomas French for the “urgent demolition and reinstatement” of the building.
Related: William Street in Lurgan closed in both directions due to unstable building
The application details that structural engineers are “currently working on a proposal that will allow its safe removal and rebuild” to allow William Street to reopen.
A design and access statement adds: “The front façade of the building became unsafe on the afternoon of 14th March 2025.
“The road was closed as it was feared the building was about to collapse.
“A telehandler with a bucket was arranged to help support the building and hoarding erected. It is proposed that once the building has been made safe, the teleporter and hoarding can be removed to allow at least single-lane access along William Street.”
Hoarding is also to be erected along the site frontage during the course of the works.
Once demolished, the plans seek to rebuild the property with the existing roof to be supported during construction.
Alongside the existing roof, the windows and projecting screen, guttering, galvanised shutters, shop front, illuminated box sign and front door would all be reinstated once the external wall is rebuilt.
The new façade would be completed in concrete block with sand/cement render with a masonry paint finish and new concrete-moulded surrounds to windows to match the existing.
The application is due to be advertised shortly.
