Historic 18th century Northern Ireland hotel set for entrance revival under new plans to 'reinstate its lost significance'
Proposals aim to bring the Georgian building’s original front entrance back into use, restoring its prominence within Roe Valley Resort after years as a secondary access point
Plans to restore the former entrance to Roe Park House, Limavady, have been submitted to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
Roe Park House is a Grade B2 listed, 18th century, Georgian country house that lies within Roe Valley Resort at 10 Lisnakilly Road.
Council’s planning department recently received the Listed Building Consent application, which seeks to install a new hardwood door with ironmongery and erect low-level curved wall and pillars to front entrance.
Internal alterations include the removal of a stairwell, the creation of two new openings to the left and right of entrance hall, and the reinstatement of a fireplace and glazing to first floor balcony arches.
An accompanying Heritage Design and Access Statement noted that a previous hotel development directs guests to a new entrance to the rear of Roe Park House, which relegates the former entrance to “essentially a fire escape”, and the proposed restoration will “restore the prominence of the former main entrance and front rooms of the Georgian house”.
“This scheme aims to re-establish this as the primary formal guest entrance to a new reception area, reinstating its significance which has been lost due to previous interventions,” the statement added.
“Proposals include the removal of the existing emergency wall light to the external elevation and the internal push bars and emergency signage.
“Externally the proposal will look to install a large single entrance door in the Georgian style with matching ironmongery. The introduction of low painted rendered bounding walls and pillars in a curved layout will emphasise this formal approach.
“Internally these works include forming two new openings left and right of the entrance to create a new arrivals area and reception.
“Within the lounge to the left-hand side, it is proposed to reinstate a fireplace within an exiting chimney breast, bring back the warmth of this 18th century, Georgian country house.
“These works will continue to enhance flow of hotel guests and reconnect the user with the historic areas of Roe Park House.”