The Story of Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative p2
A Partnership Approach
The Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) adopted a partnership approach seeking to gather the resources, experience, and knowledge from a range of agencies and stakeholders to support the successful delivery of the scheme.
The THI Board were advised by Alastair Coey Architects, a company who specialises in conservation architecture, the restoration of historic buildings and built heritage.
The project was administered by a Project Manager reporting to the THI Board which met on a regular basis.
The THI Board supported the implementation of the scheme through considering applications, reviewing reports and agreeing the allocation of the capital grants.
It also supported the administration of the scheme and the delivery of the education programme.
National Lottery Heritage Fund
For the last 30 years, the Heritage Fund has invested in heritage, making better places for communities to live, work and visit.
Celebrating and preserving our history, architecture, landscape and culture plays a vital role in connecting communities and supporting economic regeneration.
Our Townscape Heritage Initiative investment is contributing to the long-term vision for Carrickfergus so that it’s remarkable heritage is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone.
Congratulations to the team for all they have achieved.
Dr Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Project Achievements
The Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Northern Ireland Housing Executive supported the following achievements:
- Attracted a £5 million investment in preserving the historic fabric of Carrickfergus for future generations.
- 10 buildings restored to the highest conservation standards supporting the development of traditional building skills and crafts.
- 2 publications produced and distributed.
- The delivery of an education programme engaging with 4,000 people through the delivery of 30 events and activities.
- 3 archaeological based research studies published.
- 2 derelict buildings restored.
- 12 residential properties brought back into use.
- 1 historic exhibition space created, and
- Instrumental in the £42 million Belfast Region City Deal project focusing on the heritage led regeneration of Carrickfergus 2024-2032.
The Conservation Area
Carrickfergus, because of it’s geographic setting and historic past, has been defined as a Conservation Area.
This includes the town centre within the town wall, an imposing Castle, Anglo-Norman Church and a variety of examples of historic buildings.
To support regeneration and capitalise on these assets there are statutory policies in place to ensure that developers and owners take steps to maintain and develop their properties in ways which support the history of the town and compliment existing streetscapes.
The THI programme provided funding to support the restoration and preservation of buildings within the Conservation Area which included the removal of metal shutters, PVC double glazing and PVC guttering.
Restoration of each of the 10 projects has seen the refurbishment of sash windows, roof repairs and replacement using Bangor Blue slates.
Security shutters have been hidden behind hand carved hardwood shop fronts with designs based on a review of historic pictures.
Within the scheme several chimneys were reinstated to restore the original frontal elevation of the buildings and care was taken to restore rather than replace decayed timbers and masonry.
Some rooms and walls that were odd shapes were retained to support the historic character of the buildings.
Walls have been repaired using Belfast brick and lime render used to plaster walls.
During the THI programme many of the companies involved encouraged their staff to learn traditional skills and crafts.
Historic buildings that dominate and support the essence of the THI scheme are the Castle, St Nicholas’ Parish Church and the Carrickfergus Town Hall.