Plans to reinvigorate Armagh City Centre will give the city a huge boost and transform its economy, according to heritage-led regeneration expert Leonie Oliva.

The Senior Director at commercial property agency GVA said: "Renowned for its Georgian architecture, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland has a rich history and an extensive range of heritage buildings reflecting its past. It will benefit immensely from the townscape heritage initiative that was launched by the Council earlier this year.

"Finding long-term economic uses for vacant, disused buildings is critical to sustainable heritage-led regeneration and the city is now focused on this. The Shambles Market and Armagh Gaol, in particular, represent great opportunities to bring the city's heritage to the forefront creating new economic, social and physical value."

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The Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council project is being delivered in conjunction with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Led by the Armagh City Townscape Heritage Partnership, the five-year regeneration project will see up to 30 iconic and underused buildings within the city's protected conservation area brought back into full productive use, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

There are also further plans to regenerate Lurgan's historic town centre, with £2 million being awarded in support of the Council's proposals to restore and revitalise buildings within the town's conversation area.

Lord Mayor Councillor Julie Flaherty said: "Leonie's experience is particularly relevant and her insights into the impact of heritage-led regeneration have certainly re-energised our vision for the borough – not only through schemes outlined in Armagh and Lurgan – but right across the borough in coming years.

"We are committed to working hand-in-hand with investors to help identify gaps in the market where our joint input can be most effective. We will work as hard as we can to overcome the challenges which exist with the knowledge that we, as a Council, are custodians not just of heritage sites but also of the built environment borough-wide."

(CM)