Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council has marked the successful completion of the Armagh City Townscape Heritage scheme, a major regeneration initiative that has revived 12 historic properties across the city centre.

Previously underused and in varying states of disrepair, these buildings have been restored and repurposed into new homes and commercial premises. The programme has delivered nine additional retail units and 44 modern apartments, boosting accommodation options and supporting a more sustainable, economically resilient city core.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said: "This initiative is a powerful example of how heritage-led regeneration can deliver real economic benefits. By restoring these buildings and creating new spaces for living and commerce, we're boosting footfall, supporting local enterprise, and enhancing the overall appeal of our city. It's an investment in the future prosperity of Armagh."

The Townscape Heritage scheme is a partnership supported by ABC Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. It has leveraged significant private investment, bringing total investment in the regeneration of Armagh's historic city centre to more than £13 million. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has brought 26 Townscape Heritage schemes to 24 towns in Northern Ireland.

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Nikki McVeigh, Northern Ireland Committee Member for The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Armagh City's buildings are central to its character and distinctiveness with influences from the Medieval to modern periods, and to this day they remain one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been investing in Armagh since we were established in 1994, using nearly £2million of funding, thanks to National Lottery players the Townscape Heritage project has been securing the future and retaining the character of the City's built heritage.

At the heart of this scheme is the importance of place, and how place and people interact through heritage to create meaningful spaces for communities. A programme of activities for residents, businesses and visitors to learn more about the iconic built and cultural heritage of Armagh City sat alongside the regeneration of buildings to provide new places to live and work."

The project was delivered in two strands: capital works to 12 properties on Upper English Street, Scotch Street and Barrack Street, and a complementary education and activity programme to build community heritage awareness and skills. Among its highlights is a public art installation off Scotch Street on the side of the TG Hawthorne retail building. Created by artist Fintan Magee, the mural depicts 'The Dawn Trio', three women who performed close harmony at Armagh City Hall during a local concert. Developed with Armagh Theatre Company, the work uses locally sourced window glass to symbolically connect past and present and reflect the city's architectural heritage.