A multi-million pound investment to sympathetically restore historic buildings in Armagh city is moving forward.

Plans for the £6.3 million project are progressing, which will see up to 15 iconic buildings transformed in the city centre, a location known for its Georgian façades and listed buildings.

These restoration works will be delivered under a five-year Townscape Heritage scheme in a partnership project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the buildings' owners.


Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Glenn Barr, said: "Our historic buildings are part of Armagh's fabric and I'm delighted with the progress being made to revive their beauty and their use in this forward-looking, confident and vibrant city. This carefully-planned multimillion-pound restorative project puts buildings and conservation at the heart of our city's future, adding to its unique character and making it an even more attractive place.

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"This investment is important in protecting the city's built heritage and beauty, and the progress being made now is particularly timely as we look forward to staking our claim for the UK City of Culture 2025."

One of Armagh city's most historic buildings, part of famous 'Seven Houses', will be brought to life again after it was destroyed in a fire more than 60 years ago. Transformative work on No. 1 Seven House on Upper English Street, an iconic Georgian building created in 1770, will breathe new life into this part of the city, with work on several others also well under way.

With a collective investment of £950,000, the investment in No 1 Seven House has created new jobs and commercial and residential opportunities, providing a real catalyst for renewal, recovery and growth.

Key buildings in Armagh's protected conservation area on track for investment include Upper English Street, Scotch Street, Barrack Street and Russell Street, which are also being redeveloped as part of the overall heritage-led regeneration scheme, with many existing businesses in the city set to benefit directly from the sympathetic developments.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has invested almost £2 million in the Armagh Townscape Heritage Project.

Darren Rice, Committee Member, Northern Ireland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund added: "Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, which is why we are proud to support the Armagh Townscape Heritage Project, thanks to National Lottery players. This will not only preserve and rejuvenate the important built heritage in the city to be enjoyed by locals and visitors from further afield, but will also play a significant role in boosting the local economy and aiding the wider regeneration of the Armagh city region."