£1 Million restoration takes Crumlin Road Gaol back to the future - 29 January 2007
The façade of Crumlin Road Gaol is to be restored to its original 1845 glory.
Social Development Minister David Hanson MP today announced an investment of £1m as part of a major programme of repair and restoration to the Gaol. This includes a programme of work which will transform the facade of the Gaol. The security walls and fencing that have obscured the frontage of the Gaol for a number of decades will be removed, and the railings and main gates repaired and restored. The use of sandstone and bespoke castings for the railings will help achieve a sympathetic restoration, and hard and soft landscaping will also be undertaken.
Commenting on the commencement of works on site, the Minister said:
“This major programme of works at the Gaol should significantly enhance the physical appearance of the façade, and help to transform the overall look of the frontage of what is a magnificent Grade A listed building.
“This investment will play an important role in increasing confidence within the community and business sector in the long term regeneration potential of this area. It is an exciting signal of the gathering momentum in the overall redevelopment of the Gaol and Girdwood site.”
Other repairs to the Gaol, including the removal of asbestos and a programme of weatherproofing and health and safety improvements to the wings of the Gaol, are progressing in tandem. The total cost of the work will be almost £1m.
The scheme contributes to meeting the Department’s statutory obligation to maintain the overall fabric of the Grade A listed Gaol.
It is expected that work will be completed by the end of June this year.
Notes to Editors:
- An artist’s impression of how the front of the Gaol will look when work is completed is available at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/gaol_artists_impression.jpg
- The Crumlin Road Gaol was transferred to OFMDFM in August 2003 under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative. The former Girdwood Army Barracks was transferred to DSD in April 2006.
- The two sites comprise some 27 acres providing a unique opportunity to regenerate one of the most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.
- In September 2005, David Hanson announced that the sites would be developed on a comprehensive basis. He also set up a local Advisory Panel to make recommendations to him on a masterplan.
- The programme of repairs and restoration at the Gaol will open up the front of the Gaol with removal of all extraneous security structures, restoration of the existing cast iron railings, repairs to damaged masonry, the use of appropriate lighting and a range of hard and soft landscaping.
- The repair programme in the main body of the Gaol being taken forward in tandem will involve further repairs to the roof of the Gaol, holding repairs to roof lights and spouting, asbestos removal, health and safety enhancements and improvements to access areas on the site.
- The programme of work is scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2007.
- For media enquiries contact DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078/07818 035 258.
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