Permission has been sought to bring a long vacant Markethill pub back into productive use as a thriving hub for the community.
A planning application – submitted in the name of Mr Alexander Parr – to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council seeks approval for a change of use to the former ‘Bono’s Bar’ building on the corner of Main Street.
Under the proposals drawn up by DA Architects Ltd, the two-storey building could be transformed into a mixture of office space and community rooms with both internal and external alterations.
If approved, the floorplans indicate that the main entrance to the building from Main Street will lead into a lobby and general office area with “formal meeting area” and “accessible desk”.
Off the right side of the lobby would be a small staff kitchen space, toilets and a store.
Leading on from the general office, there would be one larger office and two smaller offices side-by-side.
Two smaller entries to the building from Main Street lead would also lead into lobbies and then onto a well-sized “multi-purpose room” with an “audio and visual wall” and “breakout area”.
A store and second kitchen would also be provided to the rear of the building.
The far end entryway would also lead onto a stairwell for access to the first floor for which no changes are to be made under the proposals.
