Plans have been lodged for the extension of an existing Orange Hall on the outskirts of Portadown.
Submitted to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the name of Mr J Russell the proposals could see Tamnificarbet Orange Hall on the Carbet Road extended by 95sqm of gross floorspace.
The hall was initially built over 120 years ago in 1904 and was rebuilt in 1977 and is widely regarded as one of Northern Ireland’s oldest Orange Halls.
It is currently home to Tamnificarbett Rising Sons of William LOL 17 and Abraham’s Chosen Few RBP 1107 and the Ballinacor Rural Development Association.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, the building suffered extensive smoke damage in 2007 as the result of a “sectarian attack” that saw arsonists smash a side window, pouring in petrol and setting it alight.
The proposals now submitted seek permission to construct a rear extension to the hall to provide a meeting room, disabled W.C, servery, reconfigured store and kitchen area with an external access ramp.
The site currently provides 40 parking spaces which would be unchanged if plans are approved.
The exiting floorplan of the hall comprises of a main hall with male and female toilets to one end and a kitchen and store to the other.
If approved the layout would be extended and reconfigured to allow for a kitchen and servery where the current kitchen and store are sited, alongside a disabled access toilet.
To the rear of the extension a sizeable meeting hall would be developed.
The new disabled access ramp would be constructed to the side of the building leading in towards the kitchen and servery area.
The application will be advertised shortly.
