PRESS RELEASES

Plans for the stunning regeneration of Armagh Gaol have moved forward with publication of the eagerly awaited Community Consultation Report. At the same time residents, businesses, schools and community groups are being invited to help take the project forward through offering their knowledge and personal stories of the Gaol, as well as participating in various projects to promote the regeneration work.

The report prepared by The Prince's Regeneration Trust sets out the agreed vision for the Gaol and identifies the next stages for its re-development. The report has been compiled from information and views gathered from a two-day stakeholder workshop and public open evening held at the Gaol in June this year. The report is now available to be downloaded at www.princes-regeneration.org.

Armagh City & District Council appointed the Trevor Osborne Property Group in conjunction with The Prince's Regeneration Trust to find suitable new uses for the Grade B+ listed Gaol that would also help to deliver broader regeneration for Armagh City and the wider area.

The report proposes a mixed-use scheme, including a high quality hotel and spa, restaurants, retail, heritage centre and residential development. This would preserve the historic buildings, create new jobs, deliver skills training, provide community facilities, promote cross-community ties, and encourage both tourists and local residents to visit and use the site.

The Trust and the Trevor Osborne Group along with other key stakeholders obtained valuable ideas and experience from local residents on issues ranging from historical integrity to funding so enabling the scheme to be shaped by the people it is aiming to serve. With the report now completed its important to receive feedback from the community on its content and to gather personal histories and historical information that can play a part in the Gaol's future.

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, said:

“The huge number of people attending our open evening demonstrates the high level of public interest in the site. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the community to the outline proposals. The Trust, with many years of experience in regeneration, understands that the heritage value of the Gaol does not solely lie with the buildings themselves - of equal importance are the social history and stories associated with the Gaol. We need local people with personal stories or knowledge of the history of the Gaol to now come forward so that this information can be recorded and used to explain the unique heritage of Armagh Gaol to a new audience.

We are at a tremendously exciting stage in the planning where anyone, whether from local businesses, schools or community groups, or residents, can come together and enrich the project, while helping build up the confidence and collective enthusiasm to allow the vision to be taken forward.”

John Briggs, Chief Executive of Armagh City and District Council also emphasises the need for community help with the project:

“We want the local community to really take ownership of the future of Armagh Gaol and we would like to hear from anyone with a valuable contribution to make.”

Trevor Osborne, from the Trevor Osborne Property Group, echoes the sentiments of his partners:

"We now want the community to play a larger part in taking forward regeneration of this stunning landmark, which will be an iconic symbol of success and pride for the local community.

We would very much welcome receiving any letters of support the community feels able to provide on the proposals."

Grant applications for gap funding to finance the funding deficit will be worked up with funding partners and submitted in early 2010. Decisions on funding for the project are due throughout 2010 and early 2011. Applications for planning and listed building consent will be submitted in early 2010 and a decision on planning should take in the region of six months.

Anyone interested in contributing to the project or wishing to provide feedback on the report should visit www.princes-regeneration.org and complete the feedback sections or email comments to armagh.gaol@princes-regeneration.org

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Notes to editors:

About Armagh Gaol

Armagh Gaol was built in 1780 to house debtors, female prisoners and common felons. In the later stage of its history it became primarily a female prison and also housed political prisoners. As such the Gaol comprises a stark reminder of the social and political history of Armagh, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland from the 1780s through to the present day.

It is considered one of Northern Ireland’s most important historic buildings and is a landmark building within the City and makes a vital contribution to the townscape character of the Armagh Conservation Area.

The Prince’s Regeneration Trust
The Prince’s Regeneration Trust’s projects enable under used or redundant buildings to perform a new function, unlocking a regeneration of the wider community. The Trust works across the United Kingdom sharing learning and experience through its projects.

For more info contact:
Marcus Stanton
T: 020 8540 5393
E: marcus_stanton@btopenworld.com
Gemma Colbert
T: 020 7462 6440
E: gemma.colbert@princes-regeneration.org

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