A major restoration project at the former site of Kelly's coal office in Carrickfergus has celebrated a key milestone.

This historic red brick building is undergoing extensive restoration and reconstruction works, after falling into a derelict state.

Castle Seaview Development has worked with heritage experts and funders over the last year to successfully restore the building, paying careful attention to restoring it to its former character and appearance from its days as a thriving coal office.

The project has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, through Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI), in partnership with Castle Seaview Developments Ltd.

The THI is an ambitious regeneration scheme for the town's Conservation Area, supported by £1.55 million in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and £0.55 million from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. This is the first building to have been awarded funding from Carrickfergus THI, with several further schemes under development.

-- Advertisement --

The scaffolding on the main marine highway site has now come down, revealing the well-known former coal office.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: "I am delighted to see the works at Kelly's Coal office nearing completion and we are very grateful for the funding received fromThe National Lottery Heritage Fund.

"Very soon we will be able to see the building restored to its former glory.

"With such a prominent place in the town the work will allow future generations to enjoy it to its full potential."

Carrickfergus THI Project Board Chair, Cllr Cheryl Johnston added: "With the restoration nearing completion we can finally appreciate the positive impact of Kelly's Coal Offices on the character and appearance of Carrickfergus Conservation Area, after many years of it lying vacant and in a poor state.

"We are looking forward to seeing the finishing touches in the restoration of this historic building over the coming weeks, especially as this the first THI scheme to have been awarded funds through the Townscape Heritage Initiative."

The refurbishment of the Kelly's building is expected to be completed by mid October 2019.

(CM/JG)