Plans that could have seen the historic Kilmore Cottage transformed into a thriving 21st century community space have now been shelved – and the building has been added to an ‘at risk’ register.
In April 2024, Armagh I announced the submission of plans to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for the ‘refurbishment, alteration and extension’ of the existing cottage for reinstatement of former dwelling use alongside the demolition of two vacant, derelict buildings and the erection of two new buildings for community and shop use and the construction of a community park.
These plans have now been withdrawn and the 18th century, grade B1 listed Kilmore Cottage has been added to ‘SAVE Britain’s Heritage Buildings at Risk Register‘; a register which serves to highlight historic buildings that are vacant and whose future is uncertain.
However, trustees from the Kilmore O’Neill Trust (KOT) – the group behind the planned regeneration project – remain hopeful that this is merely a temporary set back.
Speaking to Armagh I, Averil Morrow Treasurer for KOT, explained: “Where we are up to now… we have got stuck. The cottage is under the trusteeship of the Armagh Diocesan Trustee and they hold it on behalf of the parish.
“We have got through viability and developmental stages but we are stuck because we need a lease from the trustees that will meet the requirements of potential funders but so far we have been unable to achieve a lease.”
But Averil says it’s merely an “impasse”. The trustees at KOT remain focused on developing their dream of a “community hub” and saving a building that is becoming “increasingly unique”.
“We have done everything that we can do. We are ready to go,” said Averil. “This is very much about developing a community hub.
“It’s really around social isolation and loneliness in rural communities. That’s what we are targeting.
“We don’t have a shop, it’s basically a T-junction but in many ways it’s quite a highly populated area but it’s largely an older population. If you don’t have a car it’s difficult.
“This project was about providing a space that would have flexibility that people could come together and meet together.
“Never mind the fact that architecturally these kind of cottages are becoming increasingly unique.
“Obviously Kilmore is a very historic location and the cottage forms an important component of the built environment in Kilmore.
“All we can do is wait for the outcome and we have been in correspondence with the trustees since we were formed in 2021 keeping them abreast of developments and so on. But, we haven’t yet been able to achieve that lease.”
However, waiting is for those with time on their side and that’s not something Averil is sure they have.
As noted in the original plans’ design statement the “condition of the cottage has deteriorated beyond a point where repair is uneconomical without grant aid. Over the next few years, and without significant intervention, a point will be reached where health and safety risks and costs will prohibit a scheme of conservation entirely.”
And Averil puts it frankly: “We don’t know that it’s going to last another wet winter.”
Armagh I contacted the Diocesan Trust for comment but at the time of publishing have not received a reply.
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