‘Oxford Stone’ is chosen tone for £30k Carrickfergus Town Hall project

Painting has commenced on the external walls of the historical building in the heart of the Co Antrim town as part of a £30k upgrade.

The scheme, being carried out by Consarc, also involves repairs to the guttering system.

In keeping with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s drive to market the heritage aspects of the area, the walls of the Antrim Street building are to be ‘Oxford Stone’.

In 2015 a working group was established to progress the refurbishment of council chambers within Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus. Discussions also took place around the external refurbishment of Carrickfergus Town Hall and approval was given for the appointment of a heritage architect.

Councillor Cheryl Johnston, who tabled the report to progress the work, said: “It is vitally important council maintain their assets to a high standard to protect the long term integrity of their building, so this is a very welcome scheme of works at the heart of the town centre area.

“The new colour ties in with the heritage theme of the town and dramatically improves the look of this civic building.”

The work also complements the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which is a five-year funding programme from 2016 to 2021 to regenerate the town’s historic Conservation Area, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The scheme aims to preserve and enhance buildings, to stimulate and support the wider economic regeneration of Carrickfergus and to raise awareness of the rich built and cultural heritage of the town through a programme of training, education and events.

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