Armagh City & District Council ratified Environment Minister Alex Attwood's recommendation for planning approval for the redevelopment of Armagh Gaol.

The plans include a hotel and spa, seven retail units, and thirty two apartments. Approval has also been given for number 6 Gaol Square to provide residential/office use.

The scheme also involves the reconfiguration of the road junctions at Goal Square and the layout to the front of the Gaol at Gaol Square, Armagh.

Armagh Gaol, including the associated cell buildings and ancillary outbuildings to the rear and the wall that surrounds the site, are Grade B+ listed.

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Mr Attwood said: "I very much welcome Armagh City and District Council’s backing for the redevelopment of Armagh Gaol. It will create a vibrant destination within the city, contributing to tourism in the area and bringing an important but currently unused listed building back into use. The overall project cost is £23million, with £15million of that coming from grants to support the scheme. The proposal will create in the region of 320 local jobs.

"This is a huge redevelopment scheme which will benefit all of Armagh and the surrounding areas for many years. It will create much needed employment during the development of the site and the construction of the new buildings. It will contribute to the tourism potential of the Armagh Area, providing much needed tourism accommodation within the city."

(CD)