The Story of Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative p4
The Role of Conservation Architecture
The Carrickfergus THI scheme was supported by conservation architects who have the specific experience, knowledge, and skills to support the restoration and preservation of historical buildings.
The 10 schemes supported by the THI have not been without their challenges as most of the historic buildings have been reconfigured to support their sustainable use whilst retaining as much of their historic fabric as possible.
This has included the retention of ancient timbers and supporting oddities such as strange room shapes, walls that are not totally plumb and the preservation of historic features.
The communication between the builders, architects, engineers, surveyors and conservation specialists was central to the scheme’s success developing solutions to meet current standards whilst being practical and retaining the historic fabric of the structures.
Eamon McMullan, Capital Regeneration Manager, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
The Carrickfergus THI scheme has allowed some significant architectural improvements to be made to the scheme properties, most significantly the reversal of unsympathetic modifications and the reinstatement of historic details.
Carrickfergus is a town of immense character and importance, but it has suffered a relentless erosion of its architectural quality.
This erosion has happened slowly and in a piecemeal fashion, but its cumulative effect is significant.
The THI scheme is important not only for the instances where it can roll back this erosion, but also for its role in highlighting that such a process is necessary, worthwhile and achievable.
The buildings in this scheme stand as real-world examples of what can be achieved, and by doing so provide not only an immediate improvement to the townscape, but also an encouragement for more improvements to come forward.
Erl Johnston, Alastair Coey Architects