A heritage-led regeneration project in Rathmullan, Co Donegal, is moving forward thanks to a key appointment.

Robin Lee Architecture has reached a deal to deliver Architect Led Design Team services for the project, through the stages of planning and detailed design, construction supervision to final certification and handover.

Led by Donegal County Council in partnership with Rathmullan-The Way Forward CLG, this project is rooted in the principles of heritage restoration, town centre renewal and rural regeneration in proposing the transformation of landmark and under utilised assets at the historic core of Rathmullan. Specifically the project will focus on two of the key built heritage assets in Rathmullan: The Napoleonic Gun Battery and Rathmullan Abbey both of which are Protected Structures. It is intended to celebrate these assets as heritage bookends to a refined heritage led public realm where social purpose, economic function and sense of place are firmly re-established. The project will also include the development of a Community Hub as a unique and flexible space with digital capacities for the community, business and remote working.

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Welcoming the progression of the project, Cathaoirleach of the Letterkenny & Milford MD, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh said: "The Council is committed to the development of transformational regeneration projects of this nature which drive investment in the renewal of our town centres and make a real difference to the attractiveness and liveability of our towns. This particular project comes at a vital time for Rathmullan and its wider community as they respond to the challenges of post-pandemic recovery. I am delighted that it will be delivered on the basis of partnership between the Council and the community."

The project will commence with Stage 1 design services funded jointly by Donegal County Council and altruistic funding from The Tomar Trust, enabled by The Way Forward Group.

Speaking about the project, Liam Ward, Director of Community Development and Planning Services with Donegal County Council added: "The project forms part of a broader and ever growing regeneration work programme for the County's rural towns led by the Councils Regeneration and Development Team. I am delighted to see the partnership confirmed with The Way Forward Group. The Council is committed to working with local communities to develop transformational regeneration projects of this nature and to drive investments in the renewal of our town centres which make a real difference to the attractiveness and liveability of our towns."

The planning stage has now commenced and the Design Team is working towards the publication of a planning scheme in Q1 of 2022.