Lottery funding is helping to pay for important building restoration being carried out in Armagh.

Undertaken by Harry Elliott Construction, and by the architects firm of Leighton Johnston Associates, it is part of a restoration project at 5 Vicars' Hill in Armagh.

The project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, includes the preservation and restoration of one of Armagh's 18th century buildings.

The second part of the project will be the interpretation and display of items from the Library's collections.

Owned by Armagh Public Library, 5 Vicars' Hill is a Grade A listed building which was completed in 1772 as part of Archbishop Robinson's plans for the City of Armagh.

It was designed as a registry to hold records for the Cathedral and Armagh Diocese of the Church of Ireland.

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Once it is restored, the former Registry building will be the orientation hub for visitors to the Hill of Armagh.

It will play its role in enhancing the visitor experience through the collective and coordinated promotion and interpretation of the four components - St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh Public Library, the former Registry and the associated collections.

A spokesperson for the Library said: "This project could not have been considered without the tremendous support of our two funders. We thank them for their belief in this project."

The HLF's representative, Angela Lavin, said: "HLF grants are about more than simply providing money for projects; they are about forging new partnerships, encouraging participation, promoting education and understanding, enhancing access and highlighting innovation and excellence.

"This delightful project at the former Registry building, when complete, will be ready to open its doors to new and varied audiences, increasing the opportunities to access and engage with this important heritage asset. We are very pleased to be associated with it."

Stephen Bill, NITB's Signature Project Manager, said: "Armagh is steeped in history and plays a central role in NITB's St Patrick and Christian Heritage Signature Project co-ordinated by NITB.

"Our visitors are increasingly seeking unique and authentic experiences and buildings and exhibitions such as this are crucial if we are to continue to attract more and more tourists to Northern Ireland."

(BMcC/GK)