bessbrook Archives - Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer https://forecourtretailer.com/tag/bessbrook/ Ireland's Only Forecourt & Convenience Retailer Fri, 27 May 2022 10:47:02 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://forecourtretailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-IFCR-Site-Icon-32x32.png bessbrook Archives - Ireland's Forecourt & Convenience Retailer https://forecourtretailer.com/tag/bessbrook/ 32 32 94949456 €30m fund launched to renovate derelict cinemas, banks and convents https://forecourtretailer.com/e30m-fund-launched-to-renovate-derelict-cinemas-banks-and-convents/ Fri, 27 May 2022 10:47:02 +0000 https://forecourtretailer.com/?p=20439 Local authorities are to be given up to €400,000 each to renovate old convents, banks, post offices and cinemas under a new government scheme aimed

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Local authorities are to be given up to €400,000 each to renovate old convents, banks, post offices and cinemas under a new government scheme aimed at addressing the scourge of derelict buildings in rural towns and villages.

Rural councils are also being told to canvass the opinions of local community groups and activists on what buildings they would like to see renovated under the new €30m scheme.

The move will mean people will be able to put forward proposals for refurbishing derelict buildings in their communities which could then be renovated to become spaces for local activity.

The scheme will focus on buildings which have become eyesores in rural towns and villages and it is hoped the funding can be used to bring life into old buildings which were once cornerstones of the community.

The funding can be used to purchase and renovate old buildings which can become community centres or digital hubs for people working from home to avoid the daily commute to Dublin or other cities.

The funding can also be used to develop sites into parks, green spaces and recreational amenities.

And the State support will allow councils develop derelict sites and buildings into outdoor dining spaces or plazas in town centres.

However, councils are being encouraged by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys to engage with local community groups, town teams and local chambers to identify the most suitable properties to be targeted with the funding.

The move will ensure there will be significant buy-in locally and communities will feel they are involved in the process of rejuvenating their local town or village.

Every local authority outside Dublin will be able to apply for the funding which can be used to buy and refurbish landmark buildings in rural communities which have lain derelict for a number of years.

Councils will be able to draw down a maximum of €400,000 which can be used to buy and renovate one building or split the money in half between two buildings.

The funding is being made available under the Town and Village Renewal Programme and aims to support the continued regeneration of our rural towns and villages.

The scheme typically funds communities with a population of up to 10,000 people.

Larger rural towns with a population of up to 15,000 people may be eligible if an application for funding is particularly strong and the project will have a significant impact on the area.

Image – Plans for the former Bessbrook tram station

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]]> 20439 Plans outlined to restore Bessbrook tram station as £2m supermarket forecourt https://forecourtretailer.com/plans-outlined-to-restore-bessbrook-tram-station-as-2m-supermarket-forecourt/ Tue, 01 Mar 2022 10:51:33 +0000 https://forecourtretailer.com/?p=19514 Plans have been outlined to restore a 19th century tram station in Bessbrook, Co Armagh, transforming it into a forecourt with supermarket and catering units.

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]]> Plans have been outlined to restore a 19th century tram station in Bessbrook, Co Armagh, transforming it into a forecourt with supermarket and catering units.

The £2 million investment, being spearheaded by Glena Developments Limited, is expected to bring up to 55 full and part-time jobs to the village.

The project aims to redevelop the original structure as well as the surrounding waste ground on which the old station is situated.

“Our vision for the redevelopment of the Bessbrook tram station site has always been one that would look to serve an expanding local community in a modern, convenient and economically sensible way,” lead developer Damien Rafferty said.

“Plans to regenerate the site to integrate supermarket, refueling and catering units with a new generation of Bessbrook inhabitants at the foremost of our thoughts aren’t a far cry from the sentiments that drove the construction of the tram station and associated tramway over a century ago.

“The creation of up to 30 new permanent jobs at the new site, as well as other positions in construction and trade, is a nod to those visionaries who first pioneered this business link from the heart of Bessbrook.”

History

The tram station originally served as a terminal halt on the hydro-electrically powered Bessbrook and Newry Tramway, which transported passengers and freight between the town and mill village before ceasing operations in 1948.

Mr. Rafferty said that the group is acutely aware of responsibility of preserving a proud remnant of Bessbrook’s history.

“Whilst we strive to build for a better future for the people of Bessbrook, it is important that we remain wholly conscious and sensitive to the pride in its past. That said, our proposed scheme has been drawn up with such sensitivities in mind,” he said.

“Our architects, Clarman, have been creatively brilliant in their design proposals, which have allowed us to retain so many of the features of the original structure. We would encourage as many people  as possible to take a few moments to view the digitally created walk-through video that has been uploaded to Clarman’s YouTube channel – Clarman Architects.”

“In conclusion, a proposed investment of over £2 million, the creation of up to 55 full,  and part-time jobs, and with rates payable to local council upon completion, we see this as a significant investment in the Bessbrook community, and perhaps more importantly, one that can provide service for perhaps another century and beyond”, Mr Rafferty added.

Architect Cathal Reilly, at Clarman Architects, said: “The proposal represents a significant investment in the restoration and conservation of an existing historic asset, which is of significant socio-economic and historic significance within the local economy of Bessbrook, through a sensitive conversion to use, which is both viable and sustainable, thereby assuring the future of the historic asset, for future generations to come.”

To experience the virtual walk-through of the project, visit glenadevelopments.com/bessbrook

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