The exciting five-year project will see the repair and reuse of up to 30 buildings within the City’s conservation area and 3,000 square meters of historic floor space brought back into sustainable use. Five new businesses and 20 jobs will be created, with four existing businesses and 10 jobs secured.

Support was awarded through HLF’s Townscape Heritage programme, which provides grants ranging from £100,000 to £2m to regenerate towns and cities by improving their built historic environment. The award includes development funding of £58,800 to help Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council progress its plans to apply for the full £1.98m grant at a later date. The fully developed proposals will include exciting opportunities to involve residents, businesses and visitors in learning more about the iconic built and cultural heritage of Armagh City.

£21m in 21 years

Today’s announcement marks a milestone in HLF’s support for Northern Ireland's built heritage – over 21 years HLF has invested £21m through the Townscape Heritage programme in 25 towns and cities across Northern Ireland. The programme has been a catalyst for wider regeneration, helping to leverage additional partnership funding and raising the total investment from the public and private sectors to a huge £60m. Approximately 150 buildings have been transformed to provide much-needed business and retail units and hundreds of jobs have been created. 

[quote=Head of HLF Northern Ireland Paul Mullan]"Our local high streets are an essential part of community life so it is wonderful to celebrate 21 years of Townscape Heritage in Northern Ireland."[/quote]

Announcing the latest award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland Paul Mullan, said: “Our local high streets are an essential part of community life so it is wonderful to celebrate 21 years of Townscape Heritage in Northern Ireland. The £21m invested so far has made a lasting difference to the quality of people’s lives by putting heritage at the heart of regeneration. 

"It is this heritage-led approach to regeneration that has enabled communities to celebrate the unique character of their towns and cities, restore their historic streetscapes and attract more shoppers, businesses and jobs to their areas. It has inspired people to learn more about their historic built heritage and provided opportunities to develop new skills. 

“We are delighted to have reached this milestone with this award for Armagh City’s historic streetscape. Thanks to National Lottery players, these ambitious plans will play an important role in regenerating the City’s commercial core, restoring its economic heart and opening up its unique heritage for both local people and visitors to enjoy."

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Darryn Causby, welcomed the award: “I’m delighted we have been successful in securing this major grant from HLF. This will enable us to build on the excellent work already completed in the City.

"Armagh has a rich built heritage and the funding will help restore and enhance this culture for future generations. We look forward to working in partnership with HLF to further develop and implement the scheme.”

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF Northern Ireland, on tel: 07733 100674, or via email: julieh@hlf.org.uk