Recently revealed architectural proposals could breathe new life into a Portadown street that has been derelict for decades.
Water Street, which is located just off Garvaghy Road, was originally built for the workers in a local factory but has since become uninhabited, with the properties thereon turning into a hive of anti-social behaviour.
However, the restoration of the street back into community life could be drawing closer, as it has since been purchased by Arona Developments who aim to bring the area back to its former glory.
The short video, from McCreanor & Co Architects and Arona Developments, while only a concept at this stage, gives a glance at what the area could look like if it’s redeveloped.
The scheme is currently in its initial design stages, but McCreanor Architects have confirmed to Armagh I that a planning application is hoped to be submitted soon.
They said that while it is still “early days”, the plans are for the development of replacement dwellings on the existing dwellings to help “recreate the street back into what it once was”.
Obins Street and Park Road Community Association, who cover the area, have welcomed the proposals as “long overdue”.
A spokesperson for the group said: “I can’t remember anybody ever living in the area. It’s been lying to wreck and ruin for quite a while and it’s only become a place for anti-social behaviour.
He added: “For the residents it’s just an eyesore as it sits at the minute, constantly worrying about kids getting in or a roof tile falling off. It’s just not safe as it is and that was our concern.”
While the community association welcomes the proposals, and says it has no objections to them, they want it to happen “sooner rather than later”.
The spokesperson continued: “I would be hopeful that it would go ahead. For the community group and the residents in the area, it’s much needed.
“It would feed into that area and the work that was done a while back in regards to the coffee shop further on down and that walkway. It’ll help develop it a wee bit more and if you’ve people living in it day-in, day-out it’ll help bring a bit more life into it.”
