A Co Down boxing club is hoping to open a new training and fight venue which will also serve as a community hub.
And the development has been earmarked for the site of the former Yard cafe at Dromore Street in Rathfriland.
An application has now been made to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The proposals have been drawn up and submitted on behalf of ‘The Friends of Rathfriland Cross-Community ABC Ltd’.
The site is described as a “cafe and yard” and the works would involve the demolition of the existing buildings and facades and construction of a new two-storey development, complete with associated siteworks.
A design and access statement details plans for a cross-community facility, incorporating a community hub, which boasts, among other things, a gym and training facilities, showers and toilet provision, kitchen and boxing rings at ground and first floor levels.
It adds: “The proposal is for the provision of training facilities and boxing events for Rathfriland Boxing
Club with community drop-in type provision.
“The proposed building is on two levels with access at the end nearest the town centre.
“The building fills the site and is level across its length on both floors.
To be sensitive to the townscape setting the building is lower than the existing building on the town side and is higher than the existing building on the countryside, at no. 11.
This fits into the context and pattern of buildings stepping down along the street. The proposed windows to the ground floor are quite domestic in scale with there being one large window opening which is similar to the shopfront type of openings along the street.
“The first floor windows are long and narrow, again being typical of what is found on the existing surrounding buildings.
“With the building being often used at night the ground floor windows should provide light on to the street and create a safer street environment.
“The building, with its open aspect to the street, should help generate activity and vibrancy on the street in this part of Rathfriland.”
The application will now be advertised shortly.
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