Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council has revealed that four heritage buildings have been restored as part of a major heritage-led regeneration programme.

The Armagh City Townscape Heritage project invested £2.9 million to bring these historic buildings back into sustainable use with ground level retail and commercial spaces and modern living accommodation on the upper levels.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Department for Communities, the Housing Executive, and property owners has made these projects possible.

Councillor Kevin Savage, Chair of the Economic Development and Regeneration Committee said: "This is a fantastic transformation that has brought vibrancy to this part of the city, with a major works to these vacant and derelict properties. I’m delighted to see the works come to fruition and the many benefits it brings with new businesses already accommodating city centre retail space and increasing footfall to our urban centres.

"The overall £6.3m Townscape Heritage scheme is really starting to take shape and we can see the positive impact it is having, not only restoring and reviving our city centre but preserving the buildings unique architecture."

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Dr Sally Montgomery, Northern Ireland Committee Member at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, stated:

"Thanks to National Lottery players we have been able to invest in several Townscape Heritage projects in the area and have made a further commitment over the next ten years to invest in the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council area through our Heritage Places initiative.

"We are so pleased to see four more heritage buildings restored, revitalised and brought back into use in the City. This work and accompanying heritage activity programme led by Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council is connecting people to the value of heritage and building a confident future for local people and businesses."

Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons said: "I am pleased that my department has contributed £360,000 to help preserve the beautiful heritage assets in Armagh city centre. This funding will help to save the Georgian architecture which makes Armagh unique and I welcome this continued collaboration with Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council."

Armagh, among Ireland's oldest cities, is renowned for its Georgian architecture and listed structures, which contribute significantly to its distinctive and rich historical ambiance. Dating back to the early 19th century, the four buildings situated at 14, 16, 18, and 20 Upper English Street have seen diverse uses and occupants over the years, including a bakery, tobacconist, bookshop, dressmaker, and grocer. The newly revitalised retail spaces are now home to Innovating Interiors and Hairport Turkish Barbers.

Twelve projects have now been completed across the city, including the restoration of No. 1 Seven Houses (43 Lower English Street) and Armagh County Club (33 Upper English Street), with works in progress at the old Dunnes property (28-30 Upper English Street) and Gosford Place (The Mall).