Armagh Gaol gates swing open recently giving local people the chance to see first hand how the former jail currently looks, and to view plans by a developer.

The Trevor Osbourne Property Group has put forward plans for a hotel at the facility.

Member of the public were provided with the opportunity to view the regeneration and restoration proposals, and encouraged to offer their ideas before actual works being.

Armagh Mayor Thomas O Hanlon said he was delighted to see the consultation process underway.

"The Gaol has been lying empty for 22 years and the future of this historic building looked bleak," he said.

"Now the people of our city will have the chance to influence on how it will look. This also secures the vital protection and restoration of a heritage building."

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The Trevor Osborne Property Group, which has already re-developed the former prison in Oxford into an award winning mixed use development, said: "We, together with the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, are delighted to be working with Armagh Council on this prestigious project.

"The Armagh Gaol project gives us the opportunity of working in another historic city. We intend to restore these fine buildings giving the Gaol a new lease of life for the future while providing Armagh with a fantastic facility."

The Gaol, a Grade B+ listed building, was built in 1780 and was designed originally as three prisons - one for women, one for debtors and one for felons.

The planned luxury hotel will look out across the city's famous Mall to the courthouse on the opposite side and surrounded by Georgian houses.

The Osborne Group plans to use three cells to create each luxurious room which will have ensuite facilities - a far cry from the previous interior design.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince's Regeneration Trust, said: "The gaol is a striking building of historic, social and architectural importance. That is why it is so critical to carry out its regeneration with the full support of the local community."

(PR/BMcC)