Heritage Trust Network 1

BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUSTS IN NORTHERN

- The story so far -

Sion Mills Stables Heritage Trust Network

Built Heritage At Risk (BHARNI)

BHARNI is the Department for Communities Register of Significant Buildings and Monuments deemed to be at risk from a number of threats including neglect, dereliction and unsympathetic development. Heritage Trust Network 3

FOREWORD BY BRENDA TURNBULL, NI CHAIR, ASSOCIATION OF PRESERVATION TRUSTS

I feel proud and privileged to have recently taken management, often facilitating delivery of community over the helm at Association of Preservation Trusts services and in some cases driving social economy Northern Ireland (APTNI), which has been steered business activities. most ably over the last 3 decades by my predecessors Alan Clarke, Primrose Wilson and Marcus Patton. I would urge you as you read this publication to reflect on the role that you may individually have played, The Building Preservation Trust (BPT) movement was be it large or small, and to feel proud of that. If you slow to grow in Northern Ireland. It’s hard to believe have not previously participated in helping to save that during those dark years of the Northern Ireland and restore an aspect of your local or national heritage Troubles there were those in our local communities then I urge you to get involved by contacting your and at a regional level who were prepared to put their local group or registering your interest through the heads above the parapet to campaign and deliver on a HTNUK website. heritage agenda. This body of work encapsulates where the BPT To this day BPTs and the wider heritage sector educate, movement is now, and acts as a baseline from which mentor and encourage people to appreciate the future activity can be recorded and measured. The value of heritage assets in sustaining a sense of place. focus on evidence-based outcomes is one of the Through its grass roots ethos, led in many instances key features that BPTs must focus on to more by heritage heroes and fiery spirits, those who drive clearly articulate the cultural, social, economic and BPTs use the embedded cultural, social, economic and environmental value of heritage restoration. This environmental value of our shared physical heritage is an essential aspect of engendering the support of for the betterment of local communities and the wider government, funding bodies, financial institutions and region. Retaining, restoring, reconnecting community other supporting partners that the sector relies upon. ownership and re-using heritage assets stimulates our BPT outputs include imaginative schemes involving civic conscience. Once heritage buildings are allowed the restoration and reuse of former schools, churches to disappear through neglect and abandonment, and factories, as well as enhancing our landscape and perceived lack of monetary value, or poor civic streetscapes through efforts to restore heritage features management and enforcement, they are gone they are as diverse as canal locks, follies and monuments, all of lost forever. which add collective value.

On a more positive note, heritage provides an Dr. James Moir’s ‘Building Preservation Trusts in ingrained physical and cultural dimension to the Northern Ireland: Promoting New Partnerships townscape character of many of our cities, towns for Addressing Heritage at Risk’, commissioned by and villages across Ireland, as well as enhancing rural APTNI in 2015 and supported by the Northern Ireland landscapes. This booklet contains many examples Environment Agency, captures the range and scope of of the energy, enthusiasm, dogged determination, the work of BPTs in Northern Ireland and many BPTs tenacity and skill deployed to overcome the varied have taken part in the formation of James’ work for us. challenges that stand in the way of delivering heritage This report, in full, will shortly be available on the NI restoration and regeneration projects. All the more pages of the HTNUK web site. remarkable that all the projects referenced in this publication have been delivered by ‘not-for-profit’ Following a major piece of work funded by HLF organisations relying on volunteer leadership, and only Transition Fund, APT is now Heritage Trust Network a small handful of remunerated professionals. The with new offers on membership and with increased range of skills demonstrated by this voluntary sector support to members. movement are formidable, ranging from leadership, financial, corporate governance, business acumen, and Finally can I thank Leah O’ Neill, Connor Stanford complex project management, through to community and Marcus Patton for their work in editing this engagement and cohesion, plus ongoing operational publication. Heritage Trust Network

BELFAST Heritage Trust Network 5 Heritage Trust Network

1. ALEXANDRA PARK GATE LODGE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Alexandra Park was laid out over some ten acres Assisted by grants and loans from: and opened to the public in 1887. The gate lodge is contemporary with the park, and was probably Grants from N I Housing Executive designed by J C Bretland. In recent years the park had Environment & Heritage Service DoE through the Tourism Sub-Programme (EEC) suffered from considerable vandalism, and despite the Own capital hard work of the city’s Parks Department there had been a marked deterioration in its amenity. About 1990 the lodge was burnt out in an arson attack but Architect: Hearth Hearth Revolving Fund subsequently acquired it from the City Council. Contractor: McNally Contractors Ltd, The lodge is a small two-storey rubble-stone building with steeply pitched roofs and tall stone chimneys, Grade B2 and the windows are plain sashes with an unusual shouldered design. The fire had destroyed the staircase, first floor, and most of the roof, and no internal doors survived, although some windows remained in scorched and rotted condition. The structure was generally sound, but the stonework had been repointed in hard mortar at some stage, leading to deterioration of some of the soft Scrabo stonework.

Restoration of the building involved new slate roofs and cast iron gutters, and new windows and doors throughout. A considerable amount of stone was replaced where the original material was badly spalled or damaged by the fire and ongoing deterioration. Internally, a new staircase was put in, and flooring was replaced throughout. There was no evidence of ornamental ceiling roses after the fire, but it is very likely that the house had roses, and new ones were provided. Originally there would have been three bedrooms upstairs, but one has been made into a bathroom. Heritage Trust Network 7

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

2. LOCK HOUSE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

In 1756 the Corporation for promoting and carrying Electricity and drainage were brought in for the on an Inland Navigation in Ireland began work first time, the latter involving a complex series of constructing the Lagan navigation from drop-manholes to negotiate the steep change in levels to , under the direction of canal engineer to the road. It was decided to replace the brick Thomas Omer. The waterway opened in 1763 with gables, which had decayed badly and did not appear the lock house at Ballyskeagh being constructed in c. to be original, in stone. DoE architects were also 1760. The navigation closed to commercial traffic in keen that the building should be lime washed, and 1956. when the old render was removed a colour-wash was applied. Although Drumbeg Lockhouse was the first project carried out by Hearth Revolving Fund, its sister building at Ballyskeagh was being investigated by Hearth in the early 1970s when it had become a burnt-out shell, and was surveyed in 1979 with a view to possible restoration. At that time, its owners were not interested in selling as they wished to demolish it to put a bungalow on the site, but listed building Assisted by grants and loans from: consent was refused by the DoE. Eventually it was possible to re-open negotiations, but by the time Grants from N I Housing Executive work commenced on site nearly twenty years had DoE Historic Buildings grant elapsed since the first contact was made. Loan from Architectural Heritage Fund Own capital Ballyskeagh was built at the same time as Drumbeg, and Omer’s distinctive cuboid design with arched recesses on each elevation and Gibbsian doorcase is Architect: Hearth unmistakable. However, their locations could hardly be more different, with Drumbeg down by its weir Contractor: Annadale Building Contracts, Belfast and Ballyskeagh up on a hill above the Ballyskeagh High Bridge commanding a view northwards across the river valley. It was also built of different Grade B1 materials, being of soft local red sandstone with brick gables, mostly covered in a thin cement slurry.

The lack of original timber in the building would have made restoration difficult had it not been for the experience gained at Drumbeg, and details of doors and windows were derived from the other building. The original roof truss was retained, but virtually all other timbers had been burnt out. Heritage Trust Network 9

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

3. BELMONT OLD PRIMARY SCHOOL OLD BELMONT SCHOOL PRESERVATION TRUST

Originally known as the Ferguson Memorial School, Assisted by grants and loans from: Belmont Old School was built in memory of Mary Ferguson of Sydenham House c.1890 to a Gothic Architectural Heritage Fund Revival design by Belfast architect Vincent Craig, HLF brother of the first Prime Minister of Northern DoE Historic Buildings grant Ireland, James Craig. A church like stone-built Garden Villages building the school has striking red sandstone Esmee Mitchell Trust detailing and a square, open-belfry tower which has Ferguson Memorial Trust been a local landmark for over a century. Friends of Old Belmont

By the mid-1990s the old school was in a poor state of repair and in 1999 became redundant when a new Total investment: £1.3 million primary school was built within its grounds. This sparked several concerned local residents to setup the Architect: Kriterion Conservation Architects, Belfast Old Belmont School Preservation Trust to purchase, restore and reuse the old school in recognition of its local historical and social significance. Contractor: Martin & Hamilton,

The building was purchased with an acquisition loan from Ulster Garden Villages and a subsequent Grade B1 Feasibility Study, grant-aided by the Architectural Heritage Fund, concluded that the school could provide a variety of spaces to house a coffee shop, several community meeting rooms, playgroup and an after school club.

In 2004 the trust completed a successful restoration and re-use scheme which has put the building back into the center of the community with rooms for hire, a coffee shop and playgroup/after school facility, whilst maintaining the building’s original character.

Since then Belmont Tower has been a hive of activity, offering classes, conference facilities, a coffee shop and a CS Lewis exhibition. It is now managed by the National Trust, once again playing a central role in the local community and remaining a landmark building which people from across the city recognise. Heritage Trust Network 11

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of L. O’Neill) Illustration (Image courtesy of Marcus Patton) Heritage Trust Network

4. CHRISTCHURCH BELFAST BUILDINGS TRUST

Situated in a difficult interface location – between Trust) Centre Vision Award for the project ‘as being a loyalist Sandy Row and republican West Belfast – source of inspiration in the wider context of Belfast’s Christchurch proved to be a challenging restoration. renewal’. It plays host to a vast array of community Built in 1832 to Greek Revival designs by events and is proof of the way in which restored architect William Farrell, the building is noted as one buildings can bridge communities. of the remaining vestiges of Georgian Belfast. It is instantly recognisable for the severe austerity of its classical façade. The third oldest Anglican Church in Belfast, it was built by public subscription for those worshippers who did not wish to pay tithes at St. Anne’s or St. George’s. Christchurch was famed as a bastion of Anglican liberalism but also played host to a number of radical preachers, Lord Randolph Assisted by grants and loans from: Churchill amongst them on the eve of the Home Rule controversy. Among the regular congregation was the DoE Historic Buildings grant: £95,000 great Belfast architect Sir Charles Lanyon and his wife Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £1,217,000 Helen. The project was undertaken in conjunction with the adjacent Royal Belfast Academical Having suffered a declining congregation, the church Institution, who funded the remainder. closed and was deconsecrated in the early 1990s. It was the victim of many attacks before the arson Total investment: £1.4 million which destroyed it in 1995. Public safety was cited when demolition was suggested to make way for a new sports hall for the neighbouring Royal Belfast Architect: Consarc Design Group, Belfast Academical Institution. In the end, a partnership agreement was reached for a long-term lease and lease back scheme. This allowed BBT to undertake Contractor: Martin & Hamilton, Ballymena the restoration work and RBAI to undertake the management of the building. Grade B1

A similar package of funding to that at St. Patrick’s School ensured that Christchurch was wonderfully restored as the library and Centre of Excellence for Information Technology for the Royal Belfast Academical Institution at a cost of £1.4 million. Opened in 2003 by HRH The Prince of Wales, the restoration has won many architectural and regeneration awards – including the first Georgian Group award in Ireland and the Waitrose (Civic Heritage Trust Network 13

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

5. COLLEGE GREEN HOUSE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Built in 1870 as a private home, College Green restored flats, the old coach house and stables are House in Belfast occupies a crucial corner location in now an excellent small restaurant and micro-brewery, Queen’s University Conservation Area, completing producing, amongst others the real ale Headless Dog a good listed terrace although it had suffered severe Brew (APT News Issue 22) “improvements” in the 1930s which had prevented it being listed with its neighbours. It also had a fascinating social background. John McConnell was employed by the Craig Family, and his contemporary James Craig was the first prime minister of NI. McConnell’s daughter was also involved in the suffragette movement. College Green House has had a multitude of uses as a private dwelling, a school and before a fire in 2000 (when Hearth purchased a Assisted by grants and loans from: long lease on it) it was a popular dwelling for young art students, who appreciated the character of the Heritage Lottery Fund grants 02/03 £672,000 building. AHF 03-06 Loan £200,000

In addition to upgrading the services to the building, the main work involved was the reinstatement of Architect: Hearth the elevation to College Green which had been disfigured in the 1930s conversion to flats, with steel picture windows replacing the original round headed Contractor: Annvale Construction Ltd, Armagh windows and stone dormers. Restoration involved considerable repairs to brickwork and stonework as Grade B the 1930s windows were in different positions from the originals and many chimneys lacked their stone cappings. Metal finials and the cresting at the top of the roof were reinstated, along with the unusual barley-sugar railings, pillars and gates. The old front door in Botanic Avenue which had become a window has been reinstated as a doorway. A three-storey bay added at the rear of the house was removed to restore the cubical design of the building, and that permitted restoration of the arch linking it to the former coach house. Internally, plasterwork was restored using moulds taken from no.2 College Green which had been part of the same development.

Today its uses have been extended – as well as six Heritage Trust Network 15

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

6. CONWAY MILL, BELFAST CONWAY MILL PRESERVATION TRUST

Located in the heart of Belfast’s former linen The Mill was reopened in November 2010 by the production area, Conway Mill is typical of Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin industrial structures that once dominated the city’s McGuinness MP. Conway Mill won the award environment. The brick-built complex consists of for “Best Use of Heritage in Regeneration” at the two substantial mill buildings, one built c.1842 for prestigious Regeneration and Renewal Awards in James Kennedy & Son, Flax Spinners, the other in September 2011. It is estimated that over 100 jobs have c.1900, when the site was at its zenith under the been created and occupancy of units is high. control of the Falls Flax Spinning Company. One of the principal linen mills in the city the site ceased The Princes Regeneration Trust ‘advised and production in 1972, later suffering considerable supported the Conway Mill Preservation Trust damage from vandalism and neglect during ‘The to secure an imaginative regeneration solution Troubles’. that would save this remarkable heritage site while benefiting local residents.’ It supported a In 1982 Conway Street Community Enterprises fundraising campaign in which the local group purchased the entire complex using the buildings for secured over £5m from a range of organisations, community, cultural and educational purposes. In including the Department for Social Development, 1999 the BPT was formed and by 2006-7 there were 51 the International Fund for Ireland, the Heritage tenant organisations located on the mill site, with an Lottery Fund, the Department of Enterprise, Trade & educational facility that provided essential teaching Investment and the Arts Council. for more than 4000 pupils.

The project consisted of repairing the two main mill Assisted by grants and loans from: blocks and associated buildings. It was envisaged that a whole spectrum of uses were to be incorporated: Department for Social Development: £1,779,004 lettable storage space; craft workshops, small office International Fund for Ireland: £970,849 units, an education centre, studios and a gallery for Heritage Lottery Fund: £950,000 local artists, manufacturing and retail units, space for Integrated Development Fund: £730,000 youth and community activities, a museum, heritage Department for Enterprise, Trade & Investment: exhibition and interpretation centre, a shop and café. £476,040 Arts Council: £329,843 Phase I of the regeneration scheme saw the repair Trust’s fundraising: £129,433 and refurbishment of the Old Mill, completed in Loan from Architectural Heritage Fund: early 2011. Work included structural repairs and £500,000 conservation of the building’s historic fabric whilst facilitating the refurbishment of the two mill Total investment: £5,420,571 (total project costs – blocks, including the creation of a complimentary Phase I & II) and innovative central courtyard between the two mill buildings, enclosed by a high-level glazed roof structure. The refurbishment provided a number of Architect: McAdam Design, Belfast; Consarc Design Group, Belfast new artist studios, workspaces and enterprise units. It also houses many local community services such as art classes for vulnerable children and small businesses Main Contractor: H & J Martin, Belfast including a number of creative and craft enterprises.

Grade B2 Heritage Trust Network 17

Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society Heritage Trust Network

7. DUNCAIRN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 174 TRUST

A large Gothic style former Presbyterian Church with A Project Development Grant from the Architectural attached halls and Manse, built in 1862 from local Heritage Fund facilitated the development of this Scrabo sandstone to designs by architect WJ Barre, phase of works. who also designed Belfast’s Ulster Hall and Albert Clock. The old church is now known as Duncairn Centre for Culture & Arts and is North Belfast’s first purpose The church’s congregation began to dwindle in the built arts and culture venue; a £3.5 million world- 1960s which was exacerbated by the Troubles and it class facility consisting of 3 art studios, an exhibition later closed, the congregation being combined with area, community meeting room, 170 capacity theatre/ that of Saint Enoch’s. performance and rehearsal space, café/bistro and conference rooms all creatively nestled within the In 1995 the vacant building was acquired by the 174 historic building. The Duncairn Centre provides Trust. Established in 1983, 174 Trust is a charity a platform for local and international artists to group aiming to provide safe shared spaces and ‘a showcase their work as well as giving the local local Christian witness without denominational bias community access to the arts. The historic building or sectarian prejudice’. now hosts music concerts, drama performances, debates, lectures and exhibitions, as well as To that end, the old church was used by local groups workshops and master classes putting a landmark and organisations as a venue for activities as diverse as building back into community use. boxing, after school clubs, community physiotherapy services and Irish Dancing classes. Over 800 people accessed these services, but the church building had suffered serious deterioration from weather damage and vandalism since falling out of use as a church and Assisted by grants and loans from: was considered ‘at risk’.

International Fund for Ireland: £1,643,632 In 2011 the Trust wished to restore the old church and Heritage Lottery Fund: £959,600 expand its activities by creating a centre for the arts, NIEA: £500,000 culture and heritage. This was undertaken in a phased DSD: £236,000 approach. Phase I, for the restoration of the Church, Garfield Weston Foundation £100,000 was awarded an HLF grant of £959,600 in March Biffa: £49,151 2011.

Phase II was for the refurbishment of the Total investment: £3.5 million attached Manse which was latterly used as office accommodation. This has been retained, but additional space for meeting and activity rooms and Architects: Doherty Architects, Belfast a crèche has been created, integrating with the wider body of works being undertaken by the Trust. Grade B+, BHARNI Heritage Trust Network 19

Before (Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society)

After (Image courtesy of L. O’Neill) Heritage Trust Network

8. GOOD SHEPHERD GATE LODGE BELFAST BUILDINGS TRUST

Built in 1867 as the residence for the caretaker to the are particularly pleased at how the building has been Good Shepherd Convent, the Gate Lodge has long restored to its Victorian character. Floorboards, been a landmark for commuters and locals alike on tiles, window frames and internal doors have all been the Ormeau Road in south Belfast. It was designed reused. Most particularly the building’s striking red by Sherry & Hughes who also designed the convent exterior marks it out as a vital piece of Belfast’s built building to the rear. Extended in 1898, the still small heritage and a fitting exemplar for the work of the Gate Lodge remains structurally unaltered since then. Trust.

The Gate Lodge ceased to be a family residence in the mid-1970s. The last family to live there included grandparents, parents and seven children in three bedrooms. The building quickly fell into disrepair, despite its very visible location on one of Belfast’s major arterial routes. Between 1974 and 2009 the building suffered from significant vandalism and neglect.

To prevent its demolition, Belfast Buildings Trust Assisted by grants and loans from: entered negotiations to acquire the property on a long lease from the Catholic Diocese of Down DoE Acquisition Grant: £37,000 and Connor. In early 2009 the Trust acquired the Total investment: £160,000 building with support from the NIEA Acquisitions Fund (administered by the Architectural Heritage Fund for buildings at risk) and set about restoring Architect: Hearth the building as its new home. Using only its own funds and support from the NIEA Historic Buildings Grant the Trust restored the Gate Lodge at a cost of Contractor: Annvale Construction, Keady £160,000. Belfast Buildings Trust moved to its new home in the Gate Lodge in January 2010. During the Grade B1, BHARNI restoration work, three previously bricked up gothic windows were uncovered and reinstated, giving the ground floor office a wonderful view into the wooded grounds of the Good Shepherd Centre.

The local community has expressed great delight at the Gate Lodge being brought back to life. Interest in the building has been significant, and particularly evident with the huge numbers of visitors that it receives for European Heritage Open Day. People Heritage Trust Network 21

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

9. 36 - 46 HAMILTON TERRACE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

When the Markets area of Belfast was laid out in the houses were put on the market they were auctioned, 1830s, the houses were built in a simple Georgian with a discount offered to local families. Half the style using local crimson-coloured brick which houses went to locals, and, to the delight of all has darkened through the effect of soot to a warm concerned, no.42 was bought by the family which had brownish-black colour. In the early 1970s there lived in it from 1902 till they had been moved out by were still many terraces surviving, but many were in the Executive. need of improvement. When the Housing Executive drew up plans for the redevelopment of the area, this terrace was to be restored, but as time went on and houses were vacated it was badly vandalised, and in 1988 the Executive applied for permission to demolish it - with some justification, as the floor joists, and even roof purlins, had been stolen from them, leaving only a fragile brick shell. The Executive agreed to sell the buildings to Hearth, provided it would take them on right away. At the time, Hearth Revolving Fund did not have sufficient capital to undertake a scheme of such a size, but it considered the terrace of great importance not only in itself but also for its group Assisted by grants and loans from: value. It agreed to take the buildings, but work had to be phased carefully to make the property safe while N I Housing Executive finance was raised. DoE Historic Buildings grant Architectural Heritage Fund The restoration involved virtually complete Northern Bank replacement of timbers, very little having survived Urban Development Grant the vandals; new staircases, windows with shutters, Own capital panelled doors, and moulded cornices, all to the original details, were put into the houses; front doorcases and area railings were reinstated, and new hipped roofs and chimneys put on. The terrace of six Architect: Hearth similar dwellings was originally part of a larger block, but neighbouring houses had been demolished as part of the redevelopment of the area, and gable walls Contractor: Phase 1: Heritage Repairs Ltd had to be reinstated using salvaged brick; other areas of both front and back walls had to be extensively Phase 2: Andrew Bradley Ltd rebuilt where lintels had collapsed. Finally, no.46 was adapted as a shop with flat over, to suit the needs of a local corner shopkeeper in Joy Street who needed Grade B1 to relocate following redevelopment. When the Heritage Trust Network 23

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

10. KNOCKBREDA MAUSOLEA THE FOLLIES TRUST

The Follies Trusts was set up in 2006 by a group of of leading Belfast industrialists all three mausolea are people who share a passion for a collection of unusual listed grade B+ and owing to their very poor state buildings. These frequently eccentric structures – or of repair were on the Built Heritage at Risk register. ‘follies’ – often serve no obvious or useful purpose, Today these impressive stone mausolea have been other than to act as ornamental eye catchers designed restored to their former glory and remain some of the to enhance our environment and as such are too often finest mausolea of their type to be found in Northern regarded as unnecessary, yet they form an important Ireland. part of our built heritage and as structures are often unique to a particular place.

The Follies Trust aims to encourage – throughout the island of Ireland – the conservation, preservation, Conservation Surveyor: Chris McCollum restoration and protection, in their original setting, of: Contractor: Dowlings (Greg & Rainey) Hugh J O’Boyle (Cunningham) ‘mausolea and monuments; follies; grottoes; garden buildings and other structures of particular beauty or historic, environmental, architectural or industrial Grade B+, BHARNI significance. The Trust also aims to promote traditional construction and building skills, and to encourage knowledge and appreciation of Ireland’s artistic and cultural heritage’.

To this end the trust has so far worked with owners to conserved thirteen historic structures throughout the island of Ireland and assisted or advised on the conservation of a further three.

All being volunteers with no paid staff or office, funds raised from private donors, other trusts and government agencies go directly to restoring and conserving these important structures which would most likely otherwise be lost to future generations.

Less than four years after its formation, the Follies Trust celebrated the completion of its first project – the conservation of the Greg, Rainey and Cunningham mausolea in Knockbreda graveyard, Belfast. Erected between 1790 and 1800 in memory Heritage Trust Network 25

Before (Image courtesy of the Follies Trust)

After (Image courtesy of the Follies Trust) Heritage Trust Network

11. ST PATRICKS’ SCHOOL BELFAST BUILDINGS TRUST

Built in 1828, to a neo-Gothic design by Assisted by grants and loans from: architect, Timothy Hevey, St. Patrick’s National School was the first Catholic school to be built in Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £878,500 Belfast. The land was donated by the Marquess of Architectural Heritage Fund Donegall, the site having been the town dump until Various charitable trusts the school was built. Own borrowings

Operated by the Christian Brothers for much of its history, the school continued to serve the educational Total investment : £1.2 Million needs of the north of the city until 1982. Before then it had been the place of schooling for comedian Architect: Consarc Design Group, Belfast Frank Carson; Gerry Fitt, founding Leader of the SDLP; and former World Champion boxer, Rinty Monaghan, as well as countless generations of Contractor: H J O’Boyle, children from across north Belfast.

Situated in a sectarian interface, the building was Grade B1 nevertheless well beloved of both communities. Squat and brown bricked, people speak fondly of its pointed Gothic windows and Dutch gable. After it closed it served briefly as a parish community centre and survived until a fire caused severe damage in late 1995. So serious was the damage that the owners wished to have the building demolished for public safety and to enable expansion of a car park.

The threat to the future of Belfast’s last remaining neo-Gothic building was the impetus for the foundation of the Belfast Building Trust. With a package of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund, various charitable trusts and the Belfast Building Trust’s own borrowings, the group ensured a completed project at a cost of £1.2 million. Reopened in 1999 by Lord Dubs, then Minister for the Environment, St. Patrick’s now houses offices, a bookshop and a restored classroom that is used for events ranging from creative writing classes to business seminars. Heritage Trust Network 27

Before (Image from 1997 HBC report)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

12. TEMPLEMORE AVENUE SCHOOL EAST BELFAST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Templemore Avenue School, Belfast, is an important which was made possible through collaboration Grade B1 listed former school in an area of Victorian between Government, private funders and the housing, set on a peace line between communities. Voluntary and Community sectors. Built in 1924 and once a centre for the local community, Templemore School fell into disrepair and suffered from significant vandalism after its closure in 2003. However, as one of the few buildings of distinction in an area of high economic and social Assisted by grants and loans from: deprivation, it still had the potential to contribute Architectural Heritage Fund significantly to improving the local area. £2.25million from the Northern Ireland Executive through DSD’s Modernisation Fund Capital and Neighbourhood Renewal programme The project to regenerate the school was led by The project was also supported by International the East Belfast Community Development Agency Fund for Ireland (£900,000) (EBCDA), an umbrella organisation supporting Prince’s Regeneration Trust community development. The EBCDA had the vision NIEA to turn the school into a ground-breaking community Strategic Investment Board development project. They wanted the site to provide EBCDA and the Eithne & Paddy Fitzpatrick space for local organisations and start-up businesses Memorial Fund and be a meeting place for groups that bring together the adjoining Protestant and Catholic communities. Architect: Consarc Design Group, Belfast The Princes Regeneration Trust worked alongside and supported the EBCDA to champion the Contractor: H J O’Boyle, Downpatrick regeneration aspect of the project, raise the project’s profile and assist with securing funding. As part of the project the Templemore Avenue School Trust Grade B1 was established and received £2.25million from the Northern Ireland Executive through DSD’s Modernisation Fund Capital and Neighbourhood Renewal programme to develop a Community Hub in the building to significantly increase services to the local community.

The refurbished building reopened in 2013 as the East Belfast Network Centre offering office space to a range of organisations working in the community including facilities such as meeting rooms, a multi- purpose hall, a café and a crèche/day care centre. The result is an integrated Community Network Centre Heritage Trust Network 29

After (Image Courtesy of L. O’Neill) Heritage Trust Network

13. TEMPLEMORE BATHS TEMPLEMORE USERS TRUST

Templemore Baths is a complex of Victorian red brick Baths, identified threats to its continuing survival buildings on Templemore Avenue in East Belfast, and set out policies whereby its significance could built between 1891-1893 to designs by architect be retained. Whilst the future of over 50% of the Robert Watt. The Baths were intended to meet the site has been secured by the Templemore Users Trust hygiene and public sanitary needs of the community the restoration of the remainder of the Templemore in the highly industrialised area of East Belfast where Baths complex continues. individual dwellings within terraces often had no provision for formal washing facilities.

Originally one of four similar Victorian complexes Grade B+, BHARNI commissioned by the Belfast Corporation at the time, Templemore was constructed at a cost of £21,660 and now has the only functioning Victorian swimming pool in Northern Ireland.

By the 1980’s Belfast City Council began to develop new modern recreational facilities and the decision was taken in 1983 to close the Templemore Baths. A group of campaigners began to lobby for the retention of the Baths and in 1989, under a long lease, the Templemore Users Trust accepted responsibility for the facility and which has been run by the Trust since. In 1987 the building became a B1 listed building.

In 1994, with the help of EU funding, the old public slipper baths area was converted into a Fitness Suite which provides some income to the Trust.

The Trust has also restored one of the building’s two swimming pools which is well used by the community and the local swimming club. However, another pool and other areas are closed and derelict.

In 2006, with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Belfast City Council, the Trust commissioned a Conservation Management Plan. This document established the significance of the Heritage Trust Network 31

After (Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society) Heritage Trust Network

14. WILMONT COTTAGES HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

In 1859 a banker named James Bristow built Wilmont Assisted by grants and loans from: House on the outskirts of Belfast, and surrounded it with a number of gate-lodges and this group of three N I Housing Executive workers’ cottages on the junction of Lane DoE Historic Buildings grant and the Upper Malone Road. It later passed into the Employment grant from Department of Economic ownership of Sir Thomas Dixon, whose widow gave Development the house and its extensive grounds to Belfast City Council as the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. Architects: Hearth and Dawson Stelfox The City Parks Department, while sympathetic to the buildings it inherited, did not feel justified in Contractor: Heritage Repairs Ltd spending its budget on their upkeep. For many years one of the Wilmont Cottages was occupied by an Joseph McClune & Sons, Dundrum old man, but when he fell ill and died in 1983 they became prey to vandalism. At the same time, the Grade B, BHARNI Roads Service wanted to demolish the cottages to improve sight-lines in connection with roadworks, and their future was bleak. Hearth undertook to restore the cottages if a lease could be negotiated, and this enabled their listing to proceed, but purchase was protracted because of charitable restrictions, and restoration eventually started before the purchase was fully complete.

At the time, the Revolving Fund had little capital, and because of uncertainty over the effect of the imminent road widening it decided to negotiate a restoring purchaser arrangement with a sympathetic client. Initial enveloping work was carried out by the Fund including re-roofing, stripping out and building of new bargeboards and dormers. The three cottages were combined to form one house, and new windows were inserted, but no alteration has been made to the original elevations with three small porches. Heritage Trust Network 33

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

15. WOODBINE COTTAGE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Woodbine Cottage was built about 1850 as a free- high. Hearth reached agreement with the owner to standing cottage on the Antrim Road going north out take over the building and was able to start work of Belfast, which at that time was little developed. At in advance of full legal ownership. The house was first it seems to have been known simply as Antrim sold to Hearth Housing Association, whose tenant Road Cottage, and then possibly as Ivy Cottage, but subsequently bought it using right to buy. by 1870 it had become Woodbine Cottage.

In 1896 a painter called James McKenzie moved into the cottage, and his family remained there till the 1970s. In its heyday the firm employed forty painters. They used to mix up paints in the sheds, clean paint- tins in tubs of caustic in the yard and dry them on a pot-bellied stove in another shed before putting in Assisted by grants and loans from: new colours. The ground floor ceiling of the office was studded with nails to hold the pots of mixed DoE Historic Buildings grant paints for matching in repairs. Mosaic tiling in the Own capital pavement at the front door still carries the name J McKenzie & Sons.

The house is two-storey and double-fronted, but modest in scale. It is finished with coursed smooth- Architects: Hearth render, with pilasters at each corner and moulded architraves to windows on the front elevation. A Contractor: Annadale Building Contracts, Belfast shallow Doric portico leads into a small hall, with three rooms on the ground floor, the front ones being complete with folding shutters, moulded Grade B1 cornices and panelled doors. The staircase has a steeply curved handrail and moulded balustrades. In the garden at the rear was a small stable block (now demolished) and a well-glazed two-storey tin-roofed structure, which was formerly the office of the painting firm.

For a number of years the house had been essentially abandoned, and was getting steadily vandalised. In January 1995, youths broke in, stole the newel-post and set a fire at the back of the house; while the actual fire damage was localised, the risk of further arson leading to more extensive destruction was very Heritage Trust Network 35

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

COUNTY ANTRIM Heritage Trust Network 37 Heritage Trust Network

16. BALLEALY COTTAGE, SHANES CASTLE ESTATE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

Ballealy Cottage was built from a locally quarried Assisted by grants and loans from: blackstone in c.1835 as a residence for the deerkeeper Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £129,000 on Lord O’Neill’s Shane’s Castle estate, which is adjacent to the shores of Lough Neagh, Co. Antrim. The Ordnance Survey Memoirs of 1838 describe the Architects: Hearth building as “the residence of the park-keeper and is built of stone, in miniature imitation of the lodge of the ranger of Windsor forest. Attached to it is an Contractor: J S Dunlop, aviary on a small scale in which are some gold and silver pheasants”. On the Ordnance Survey map of Grade B1 1858, the building is named ‘ Deerpark Cottage’ but by the time if the map of 1902 it has been renamed Ballealy Cottage.

Today set in woodland by a stream, Ballealy presents a fairytale appearance of irregular gables and half- hipped roofs, edged with ornate bargeboards of trefoils and bold horned curls. It is built around a tiny central courtyard and is entered through an arched passageway. Outbuildings include a venison store.

Originally offered to the Rural Cottage Holidays scheme, Hearth which were working on the programme suggested it would be more suitable for the Irish Landmark Trust because of anticipated restoration costs. Consequently, Hearth restored the building for the Trust as its first project in Northern Ireland in 1999. Heritage Trust Network 39

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

17. THE BARBICAN, CASTLE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

The Barbican at is a large, three- the Barbican. This had originally graced the front of storey late Medieval / Tudoresque Style tower gate the castle when it had been built by the first earl in lodge, built in the 1840s to designs laid out in 1824 1636. The other side of the Barbican was also given a by well-known Dublin architect William Morrison. commemorative plaque. The gate lodge was part of a wider scheme of works undertaken at the castle, the seat of the Earls of Edmund Phelps and Anne Catherine had no children, Antrim, during the early part of the nineteenth so the estate and titles passed to her sister Charlotte’s century and so named to emphasise the Gothic sons and their descendants. fantasy; a medieval barbican was a very strong part of the outer defenses of a city or castle, usually the The last gate keeper left the Barbican in 1945 and in double tower built above a gate or drawbridge. 2003 Irish Landmark took the building on a 99 year lease, undertaking a conservation programme that has Randal William McDonnell, the sixth earl of Antrim, given a new sustainable use to the building as that of died in 1791 with no male heirs. His estates and titles a self catering holiday home. were divided between his three daughters, with the provision that these would all ultimately pass to their senior male offspring. Inevitably this was the cause of much friction. One daughter died young of TB. The eldest, Anne Catherine, was in her own right styled Countess of Antrim and Viscountess Dunluce. She, along with her second husband Edmund Phelps, was responsible for building the Barbican in AD 1825. Charlotte, the surviving younger sister, had a less certain future. Assisted by grants and loans from: Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £160,000 The ‘Barbican’ had previously been a fairly simple single-storey Palladian building overlooking the old bridge to the village, with a simple wall on either Architects: Kriterion side running along the edge of the river. Morrison transformed this into a battlemented fortification with towers at regular intervals flanking the Barbican Contractor: Annadale Building Contracts, Belfast gateway, retaining the old bridge of 1713. Walkways were made behind the battlements to create romantic Grade B1 walks for the inhabitants, and local basalt was used throughout, to give the walls and towers an appropriately sombre appearance, though striking red sandstone dressings were used for the finer detailing of the Barbican. An ancient sandstone coat of arms was inserted on the external façade of Heritage Trust Network 41

Before (Image Courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust)

After (Image Courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust) Heritage Trust Network

18. BLACKHEAD LIGHTKEEPERS HOUSE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

Blackhead lighthouse complex was built by the Assisted by grants and loans from: Commissioners of Irish Lights between 1899 - 1902 Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £148,000 to designs by Chief Engineer William Douglass. Situated on the north shore of the entrance to , the octagonal lighthouse, and its counterpart Architect: Hearth across the Lough at Mew Island, were important in protecting commercial shipping when steam replaced sail in the mid-19th Century, and would have guided Grade B+ all of the great ships of Belfast’s shipbuilding glory days, including the ill-fated Titanic.

An explosive fog signal was also installed at the same time as the lighthouse. In times of heavy fog, and when the lighthouse optic was ineffective, a blast was set off at regular intervals to aid mariners and warn them of the coast.

The lighthouse continued to be manned until 1975 when it was automated and its two-storey semi- detached former light keepers’ houses became redundant. In 2002-03 Irish Landmark Trust restored the light keeper’s houses and gave them a sustainable new use as two self-catering holiday lets. To the relief of guests, the fog horn has long since been decommissioned yet the light remains operational. A reminder of the glory days of Belfast’s shipping, Blackhead Lighthouse remains as impressive and powerful a navigation aid as ever. Heritage Trust Network 43

Before (Image Courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust)

After (Image Courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust) Heritage Trust Network

19. GAS WORKS CARRICKFERGUS GAS WORKS PRESERVATION SOCIETY

The Carrickfergus Gas Company was set up in 1854 by setup as a charitable body in 1988 in recognition a group of local businessmen to supply Carrickfergus of the importance of the site and to save it from with coal gas, the gasworks opening on its present site demolition. The gasworks were later purchased and in 1855. The businessmen secured a contract with the taken into State Care subsequently being leased to Town Commissioners to supply 42 street lights with the Society who undertook holding repairs. These gas for a period of 31 years at £60 per year. These efforts were eventually rewarded in 2000 when the were lit for the first time on 17 September 1855. Heritage Lottery Fund granted £740,000 to restore and repair the buildings and machinery to allow safe The gasworks continued to supply the town with public access. With additional funding coming from gas made from coal until 1967 when rising coal and the European Regional Development Fund, DOE labor costs, combined with changes in the standard Environment & Heritage Service, and the voluntary of production of gas, resulted in the closure of the input of Society members, the site was restored over a gasworks. Carrickfergus Gas Company having been two-year period at a cost of £1 million. bought over by the Belfast Corporation five years earlier. However, fortunately the gasworks and its Now fully restored the Gasworks opened as a fully- gasholder were then retained and used to locally fledged museum in 2002 and displays an extensive distribute gas piped from Belfast until its final collection of gas appliances and documents. The operational closure in 1987. wider recognition of the importance of the site coupled with the success of the scheme has resulted Today Carrickfergus Gasworks is Ireland’s sole in the upgrading of the Gasworks from B1 listing to surviving coal gasworks and one of only three grade A listed status. preserved examples of its type remaining in Britain and Ireland. The site boasts the largest collection of original retorts in Western Europe. These being small cast iron furnaces which were used to bake coal, opposed to burning it, so to extract the flammable gases. These gases were then directed away in a series of pipes to be purified and later stored in the Assisted by grants and loans from: gasholder, a large cylindrical metal storage tank, from where it was then directed as required. To Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Grant: £740,000 ensure a consistent volume of gas was produced each European Regional Development Fund retort had to be constantly stoked with coal by a DoE Historic Buildings grant team of workmen, which owing to the unpurified Voluntary input and explosive nature of the gases produced, was a dangerous job. Grade A

As a result of the gasworks closure 1987 the Carrickfergus Gasworks Preservation Society was Heritage Trust Network 45

Before (Image courtesy of Carrickfergus Gasworks Preservation Society)

After (Image courtesy of Carrickfergus Gasworks Preservation Society) Heritage Trust Network

20. CURFEW TOWER HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

One of the most attractive villages in the Glens of on completion to Bill Drummond, who has since Antrim, owes much of its appearance to set up the ‘In You We Trust’ offering short-term its 19th century owner Francis Turnly, who built the residencies for artists in the Tower. Artists have come Curfew Tower about 1820, using local pinkish red from all over the world to do work derived from the sandstone. Although there are various stories giving inspiration of the Tower and the Glens area. reasons why it was built, it seems most likely that it was simply a folly or eyecatcher at the centre of the village. It is five stories high (though one storey has only a tiny window and is virtually invisible externally), with a battlemented parapet and a small walled garden.

The building was apparently ‘the great object of Mr. Turnly’s thoughts,’ and was erected ‘as a place Assisted by grants and loans from: of confinement for idlers and rioters’. He left instructions that it was to be guarded night and N I Housing Executive day by a permanent ‘garrison of one man’ who was DoE Historic Buildings grant to have provisions for a year and be armed with a Own capital musket, a bayonet, a case of pistols, and a thirteen foot long pike with a cross at the end ‘so that it could not be pulled through the hole guarding the Architect: Hearth door-ways’. The last resident, Bob Hume, carried on the traditions, repairing broken glass by flattening Contractor: J. S. Dunlop, Ballymoney corrugated perspex over a bunsen burner to achieve the authentic distortion. Grade B+ The traces of this fortified past are still to be found in the windowless dungeon, the massively heavy entrance door, ‘murder holes’ below the oriel windows, and an old well at the back door. A curfew bell has been reinstated on the parapet (the old one was missing, and the present one formerly graced a fire station). A new lead roof was put on, floors were replaced, the old narrow steep staircase repaired, stonework repointed and repaired; and a new kitchen extension was added at the rear using stone salvaged from former outbuildings, contained within the walled garden and built into the rising hillside to minimise its impact. The Tower was sold Heritage Trust Network 47

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

21. CUSHENDUN OLD CHURCH CUSHENDUN BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST

Situated just outside the National Trust Village of a funding shortfall. The Trust are working to make Cushendun, the Parish Church was built c. 1838 in up this shortfall before they can move the project a simplified Gothic style. A neat country church further forward. with square-plan tower it is characterised by reddish rubble walling, with tall pointed Gothic windows and This building remains on the Built Heritage at slim hexagonal tapering tower pinnacles. The church Risk Register, until works are complete. Thanks to was deconsecrated by the in 2003 Cushendun Building Preservation Trust it looks like and ceased to be used as a place of worship. Despite it may not be long before we see this charming little its local historical and social significance, a lack of a church restored, enlivening Cushendun in its new use proposed use meant it was added to the Buildings at as a heritage, arts and community venue. Risk Register in 2004.

The ‘Old Church’ lay unused and was falling in to dereliction until 2006 when the Cushendun Building Preservation Trust was formed to rescue the building, with the view of giving it a new life as a heritage, arts and community space. While funds were raised the trust used the building for sales and community exhibitions to raise its profile towards its permanent Assisted by grants and loans from: re-use.

The ‘Old Church’ came to public attention when Heritage Lottery Fund Provisional Grant of £263,000 it was selected to take part in BBC2’s ‘Restoration’ series. Grade B1, BHARNI In June 2013, after lengthy negotiations with the Church of Ireland Representative Church Body, a fifty-year lease was formalised and CBPT is now the official lessee of the building.

In December 2014 the Cushendun Old Church Trust were awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund project development grant to prepare a Stage Two HLF application with a provisional grant of over £250,000 for the restoration of the church once the application has been approved. Unfortunately withdrawal of the NIEA Listed Buildings Grant has left the project with Heritage Trust Network 49

(Image courtesy of Cushendun Old Church Trust) Heritage Trust Network

22. DRUM GATE LODGE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

The Drum Lodge is an unusual circular plan two- Assisted by grants and loans from: storey gate lodge built by Archdeacon Traill c.1800 at Heritage Lottery Fund Provided £98,000DoE the western edge of his Estate. The lodge is situated at the end of a long avenue of beech trees which leads to Ballylough House; an 18th century Architect: Alastair Coey, Belfast two-storey three-bay house bought by the Traill family in 1789. There are also the remains of a 15th Century castle in the gardens of the house, once the Contractor: J S Dunlop, Ballymoney residence of the McQuillans, the ruins of which the Archdeacon later converted for use as a dovecote as Grade B1, BHARNI part of his wider estate improvements.

No records are yet available for the occupants of The Drum before 1898, when one Lizzie Taggart and her husband came to live there. Both of the Taggarts were employed on the estate, he as a farm labourer, and she as the ‘hen girl’ looking after the geese, ducks and hens.

The Taggart family lived there until 1962, after which it remained vacant. Having fallen into a considerable state of disrepair, it was on the Built Heritage at Risk register when Irish Landmark Trust became involved in rescuing it in 2001. The property was carefully conserved, and with the addition of a necessary modest extension to secure the future of this building, it has been given a new sustainable use as a self catering holiday home.

Heritage Trust Network 51

Before (Image courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust)

After (Image courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust) Heritage Trust Network

23. 8-10 VILLAGE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Glenoe is a tiny village on the plateau above Assisted by grants and loans from: and Carrickfergus, and was much frequented by 19th and early 20th century travelers seeking quaint views. N I Housing Executive There are many picture-postcard views from the turn DoE Historic Buildings grant of the century showing the whitewashed and thatched Own capital cottages of the village, but in recent years most have been modernised. Architect: Hearth The best remaining terrace, numbered 7-10, steps (Project Architect: Dawnson Stelfox) picturesquely up the steep hillside towards what was formerly the site of a stone corn mill. No.10 had been Contractor: A. M. Cole, Carrickfergus a pub at one time, with a long narrow room on the ground floor apparently containing the public room, and the door below it leading to an alley in which the All Grade B1 drink was stored. No.9 came over that store at first floor level, and had no back door despite the fact that its occupants had to use an outside toilet in the back garden. By the 1980s the terrace was mostly vacant, deteriorating and vandalised, though still retaining its old windows and doors.

Hearth negotiated the purchase of the vacant houses and has converted the three houses into two, retaining the front elevation as it was but adding a new return at the back of no.10 and linking nos.8 and 9 with internal stairs to accommodate the steep changes in level. The original colour scheme of green woodwork and whitewashed walls has been retained.

Heritage Trust Network 53

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

24. OLD SCHOOL GRACEHILL OLD SCHOOL TRUST

An elegant ten-bay, two-storey over basement, 18th preserved and given new life; secondly, much needed Century former school house, the Old School was amenities have been provided including a community built c.1765 as part of the development of Gracehill; meeting space, an award winning restaurant & cafe, a picturesque Moravian settlement, laid out c.1759. business space, and after school club, a visitors centre In 1975 Gracehill became Northern Ireland’s first and a restored eighteenth century classroom, as well conservation area and has since retained much of its as an historical exhibition detailing the history of character and charm. the village which has proved popular with tourists. Thirdly, employment opportunities have also been The building continued to be used as a school until created and enhanced by this dynamic project. c.2000 when a new purpose-built premises was constructed nearby leaving the future of the old Subsequently in 2014 GhOST coordinated the building in doubt. At that time the Old School was restoration of the historic Village Square which in the ownership of the local education and library dates from 1765 and lies at the heart of the village. board who were minded to sell it. The creation of a history walk and restoration of the central pond have proved very popular with visitors In 2002, the Gracehill Old School Trust (GhOST) and locals alike. was established as a response to growing concerns about the long-term future of the building and with GhOST are now set to take forward their next project advice from the Association of Preservation Trusts having acquired the Old Village Shop with the and the support of Ballymena Borough Council, the assistance of NIEA and Ballymena Borough Council. Trust eventually managed to purchase the building It is a purpose built shop constructed for the after developing plans for the restoration and seeking Settlement in 1787 which retains important original funding in the region of £1.5 million to make those features including shelving built into the walls, plans a reality. counters and a large wooden winch wheel for drawing stores up to the attic. Subsequent grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund (£1.125 million) and from others including Ballymena Borough Council, Northern Ireland Environment and Assisted by grants and loans from: Heritage Service and Ulster Garden Villages secured the refurbishment of the listed building and in Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £1.125 million August 2007 work commenced on bringing life back Ballymena Borough Council: £15,000 to the Old School. Interestingly the Environment DoE Acquisitions Fund (administered by the Architectural Heritage Fund): £120,000 and Heritage Service provided £120,000 towards Ulster Garden Villages, Ulster Wildlife Trust and the £150,000 purchase cost of the building in a pilot many others scheme which was later rolled out across Northern Ireland, administered by the AHF. Architect: Consarc Design Group The reuse scheme was completed in the summer of 2008 and involved the internal remodelling and Contractor: Martin& Hamilton, Ballymena. reversal of inappropriate interventions. The building now serves a number of purposes; firstly, an ‘at risk’ listed building in a conservation area has been Grade B, BHARNI Heritage Trust Network 55

Before (Image courtesy of Gracehill Old School Trust)

After (Image courtesy of Gracehill Old School Trust) Heritage Trust Network

25. 31-33 BRIDGE STREET, LISBURN CONSERVATION AREA LISBURN PRESERVATION TRUST

Bridge Street in Lisburn links the city’s Market with two, two-bedroom above, bringing Square with the . The upper end of the a derelict building back into economic use and street dates from the early 18th Century rebuilding residents back to the mostly vacant street. of the city after a fire in 1707 destroyed much of Lisburn, the remaining lower section of Bridge Street With total investment of over £350k, LBPT acting dates mostly to the mid-19th Century. None of the as a revolving fund completed the restoration and in buildings on Bridge Street are listed but fall within 2007 sold the building, retaining an alleyway that was the Conservation Area. transferred to to connect Bridge Street via a new public path to the neighbouring Unfortunately, by the 1970’s urban decay and council owned Lisburn Castle Gardens. Loans from economic decline had begun to set in and in the the Architectural Heritage Fund were crucial in 1990’s the historic street was at risk of being lost due covering the funding gap, with all outstanding loans to years of neglect and decay, something which was repaid upon completion of the property sale. highly visible to visitors entering the city. The successful restoration of No. 31-33 Bridge Street Lisburn Buildings Preservation Trust (LBPT) was demonstrated to private sector owners the potential established in 2002 coinciding with the early stage of of these historic buildings and so encouraged take-up Lisburn’s Bridge Street Townscape Heritage Initiative of the THI scheme by property owners resulting in scheme (THI) initiated by Lisburn Development significant wider regeneration of the street under the Limited (LDL), latterly Lisburn City Centre THI. Management Ltd (LCCM) and mainly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, in collaboration with other Number 35 has remained under separate ownership, agencies and building owners. Consequently, there with co-operation from the private owner achieving was very close cooperation between LBPT and LDL / a complimentary restoration of the building’s front LCCM which, in partnership with others, resulted in façade. significant wider regeneration of Bridge Street. Funding partners to Bridge Street’s regeneration In 2003 LBPT purchased the freehold interest in 31 included the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Townscape and 33 Bridge Street, having availed of an Options Heritage Initiative, Lisburn City Council, DoE Appraisal Grant from the Architectural Heritage Planning and the Northern Ireland Housing Fund who later provided a Building Acquisition Executive who piloted a ‘Living Over The Shop’ Loan to the trust. The property deeds indicated that initiative. Bridge Street THI Partnership secured in 1875 Robert Bailie purchased from Sir Richard its first HLF grant of £700,000 in July 2000, and Wallace lands in Bridge Street and erected thereon a secured a further £955,000 in August 2006. five-bay wide three-storey brick building, now known as 31, 33 and 35 Bridge Street. Lisburn Buildings Preservation Trust seeks to identify heritage buildings that are at risk; Stage One of the restoration project was brought encouraging and facilitating their repair and re-use. forward to structurally stabilise numbers 31 & 33, before a second phase project achieved full external and internal restoration of this formerly derelict Architect: Alastair Coey Architects building. This created a ground floor retail unit, Heritage Trust Network 57

Before (Image courtesy of Lisburn Buildings Preservation Trust)

After (Image courtesy of Lisburn Buildings Preservation Trust) Heritage Trust Network

26. MAGHERINTEMPLE LODGE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

Magherintemple Lodge, near Ballycastle Co. Antrim, Assisted by grants and loans from: was built in the Scottish Baronial style in 1874, possibly to designs by the architect S. P. Close, to Heritage Lottery Fund: £204,000 grace the entrance to Magherintemple House, the Pilgrim’s Trust: £10,000 seat of the Casement family. At the same time as the lodge was constructed, an extension was added to the DoE Historic Buildings grant main house also in the same style - characterised by crow-stepped gables, ball finials and tall chimneys. The family believes that the main house was designed by John Lanyon but no definite evidence for the Architect: Kriterion Conservation Architects name of the architect survives.

The original Georgian House was relatively modest Contractor: J S Dunlop, Ballymoney but contained good reeded ornamentation with the Victorian addition containing much fancy pine Grade B1 detailing. It was John Casement, the father of Sir Roger, who built on the Victorian wing, adding a datestone and his initials over the drawing room . window. The Scottish Baronial style he chose was very plain. However, the stepped gables, finials and chimney stacks break up the austerity of the building.

The Victorian additions considerably improved the value of the estate. We know that in 1834, the house was valued at only £11.15.0 and between 1851 and 1879, the house and outbuildings were valued at £25. In 1878 it was shown as “rebuilding”, and in the following year the land valuation had shot up to £60.

John Casement inscribed over the front door of his home, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” and later in his life decided to take the pledge. Many of the next generation of the Casement family took to seafaring while the fate of another member of the family, Sir , is well known.

By 2008 when Irish Landmark Trust secured a long lease on the lodge, it had fallen into a state of disrepair. The lodge was carefully restored and given a new sustainable use as a holiday home. Heritage Trust Network 59

Before (Image courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust)

After (Image courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust) Heritage Trust Network

27. THE LODGE PEOPLE’S PARK, BALLYMENA HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Sir Shafto Adair commissioned this Scottish Baronial Assisted by grants and loans from: gate lodge at the entrance to the 17 acre People’s Park in Ballymena in 1870. DoE Historic Buildings grant Own capital The lodge is built of local basalt with tall crowstep gables topped by ball finials and with dressings and escutcheons in red sandstone. The largest of Architect: Hearth these refers to Ballymena’s title as the “city of seven towers”. On one gable hangs the bell which would have been rung to mark closing time at the Park. Contractor: J. S. Dunlop, Ballymoney

Ballymena Borough Council had carried out improvements to the lodge in the 1990s but it lay Grade B vacant for a number of years and a leak developed that led to a very extensive outbreak of dry rot. . Hearth was approached to see if it would be interested in taking a long lease on the property to tackle the rot and enable the building to be let once more. The restoration was carried out in two phases, firstly while the building was still in Council ownership to cut out the rot and enable the building to dry out and secondly to install services and reinstate affected joinery. The house has been let out by Hearth since it was completed in 2006.

Heritage Trust Network 61

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

28. TOWN HALL HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Formally inaugurated on 12 August 1872, Portrush The building is now a venue for meetings, weddings Town Hall was designed by Lanyon, Lynn & Lanyon and other social activities such as the annual Portrush and built by Thomas Stewart Dickson. In 1928 the Summer Theatre festival, and it is managed by hall was extended to provide the present theatrical Coleraine Council. stage. During the 1960s the old circular Reading Room, by then the town’s Library, became the Council Chamber for the town. However, when Portrush lost its autonomy and was absorbed within Coleraine Borough Council, the hall lost a major part Assisted by grants and loans from: of its historic function. The theatre continued to be used until the building was closed in 1997. DoE Historic Buildings grant 05/06: £119845 When the building became threatened with HLF: Heritage grants 02/03 £961,000 demolition Hearth Revolving Fund (Preservation Contribution from Coleraine Borough Council Trust) and the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society Northern Bank helped local people campaign against the proposals to demolish. Demolition was avoided and Hearth was Own capital approached by Coleraine Borough Council to see if a partnership could be formed to restore the building, as it appeared that a building preservation trust might be the most viable form of action. Architect: Consarc Design Group, Belfast

Hearth took on a ten-year lease of the building from Coleraine Borough Council and set about fund- Contractor: McCloskey & O’Kane, Limavady raising for its restoration. In 2004, an extensive 18 month programme of restoration and refurbishment Grade B, BHARNI was undertaken and completed in January 2006. The building was re-roofed with repairs to stone cills and crowsteps, and a substantial proportion of the decayed bricks were replaced with matching salvaged ones. Improved fire alarm provision permitted the removal of a decaying external fire escape at the front door. Internally, the steel and concrete former cinema projection booth which was blocking the end . windows to the assembly room was removed, and the gallery on one side extended. Re-ordering the floors below the stage has created improved green rooms, and new lighting and sound equipment should allow the theatre companies using the town hall in future to be ambitious in their productions. Heritage Trust Network 63

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society) Heritage Trust Network

29. SEAVIEW HERITAGE CENTRE GLENARM BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST

Built in 1888 as a boys and girls school for the 2013. An application to the Coastal Communities congregation of the adjacent Church of Immaculate Fund was also successful. This Fund supports job Conception (1875) Seaview National School originally protection and job creation in coastal communities incorporated many of the architectural features of and the regeneration project at Seaview Old School the church adjacent including simple pointed Gothic was awarded £265,000. windows and basalt walling to its main elevation. In August 2015 Seaview Old School opened as The building became redundant when a new school Seaview Heritage Activity Centre housing providing was built in 1972 and was adapted to serve as a parish craft, community, and tourism facilities including a hall in the following year. Although initially used for tourist information centre for Glenarm and housing a a variety of community uses it later fell into disuse as workshop for a local jewellery business. it no longer complied with licensing requirements. Vacant for 20 years, although relatively weatherproof and structurally sound, it is nevertheless showing signs of neglect owing to its redundancy and poor maintenance. In spite of the dereliction, the potential for beneficial re-use improved in recent years following the restoration of the harbour and the Assisted by grants and loans from: creation of a marina attracting visitors to Glenarm. The village is a Conservation Area, within an Area of Architectural Heritage Fund Outstanding Natural Beauty and situated along the £265,000 from Coastal Communities Fund Signature (Giant’s) Causeway Coastal Route (delivered by Big Lottery Fund on behalf of UK Government) In 2004 the newly formed Glenarm Buildings Larne Borough Council (£40,000), Preservation Trust secured a 30-year lease of Seaview Old School from the owner the Diocese of Down and Tourism NI (£90,000), Connor. Ulster Garden Villages (20,000), Garfield Weston Foundation (£20,000), An Architectural Heritage Fund grant aided options appraisal report showed the most viable scheme for the repair of the old school would be to create a Total investment: c. £480,000 coffee shop and small tourist information facility, with one self-catering holiday unit, forming a business case for the restoration of the building. Architect: Neil Moore, Kriterion Conservation Architects, Belfast Trustees were very encouraged by an early offer of £20K from Ulster Garden Villages and demonstrated Main Contractor: Derryleckagh Contracts Ltd, confidence in the project from the outset. No , Co Down doubt this helped influence the Garfield Weston Foundation which awarded £20,000 in mid October Heritage Trust Network 65

Before (Image courtesy of L. O’Neill)

After (Image courtesy of L. O’Neill) Heritage Trust Network

30. THE WHITE HOUSE, WHITE HOUSE PRESERVATION TRUST

The White House, an early 17th Century fortified for a total of 455 students on site who came from 12 farmhouse or ‘bawn’, stands on the foreshore of different schools from within Newtownabbey, Larne Belfast Lough and was so called because of its original and Carrickfergus areas. The restored White House lime rendering and white wash which made it a and new visitor centre opened to the public in July navigation marker for ships. 2010 and features two interactive exhibitions and a community space which can be hired for meetings, It was first shown on a map of 1569 and mentioned exhibitions and functions. in a “noate” of 1574 when Elizabeth I gave it to a Mr Brunker in appreciation of his distinguished military In March 2015 the White House was transferred service during the Spanish wars. On 14 June 1690 into the ownership of Antrim and Newtownabbey King William III’s army of 35,000 men and 700 ships Borough Council who continue to manage the landed at the nearby ancient quay. William is said to community resource. have met with his officers at The White House to plan strategies for his war against King James II at the Battle of the Boyne. In 1839 the first Ordnance Survey records that until 70 years previous it was four storeys and used as a stable and barn of the adjoining house. Around 1923 William McLaughlin donated the Assisted by grants and loans from: building for use as a Gospel Hall. It continued in this use until 1977. FSG: £5,000 disbursed July 2003 POG: £9,405 disbursed May 2008 PAG: £4,000 disbursed In 1997, the building was purchased by the March Ulster Garden Villages Trust on behalf of the Heritage Lottery Fund: £424,000 Abbey Historical Society – now the White House Biffaward: £500,000 Preservation Trust, which was formed in 2000 with the remit of restoring the building for use as cross- Ulster Garden Villages: £100,000 community education and information centre. Northern Ireland Environment Agency: £18,000

The Trust proposed to develop an educational heritage centre to tell the story of the White House Total investment: £1,042,000 including the Williamite landings and events which lead up to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The trust Main Contractor: Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd, Downpatrick secured substantial funding from both the Heritage Lottery Fund and Biffaward (a Landfill Communities Fund) which allowed the project to commence. Archaeologists: Archaeological Development Services (ADS) Work on the restoration of the White House began in September 2008 with the Trust also undertaking an Grade B+ & scheduled ancient monument, BHARNI educational programme with local children, catering Heritage Trust Network 67

Before (Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society)

After (Image courtesy of L. O’Neill) Heritage Trust Network

COUNTY ARMAGH Heritage Trust Network 69 Heritage Trust Network

31. 77 - 81 MAIN STREET, MOIRA HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Moira is a village laid out in the early 18th century Assisted by grants and loans from: along a main street which widens into a long tree- lined square. At the north end of Moira a terrace of Grants from N I Housing Executive about a dozen houses between the courthouse and DoE Historic Buildings grant the parish church had lain derelict since the mid- sixties. Demolition of a large portion was threatened Northern Bank in the early eighties, but was averted by listing. In Architectural Heritage Fund 1986 Hearth was able to agree the purchase of three Own capital properties at the upper end of the terrace, and restoration was set in hand. Negotiations to purchase the lower houses were unsuccessful, but they were subsequently restored by others, leading to a marked Architect: Hearth revival in the village’s appearance.

Although the houses were probably built around Contractor: Roy Hanna, Lurgan the same time, all having early roof timbers and trusses, they are remarkably varied in character. No.77, the largest, is stone-built but was refaced in Grade B ornamental stucco in the mid 19th century; it has a bedroom over the old carriageway entrance and has retained early crown glass in a borrowed light off the staircase. No. 79 had been pebble-dashed, but when this was stripped off rubble stonework with brick soldier courses was revealed, and this was made good and left exposed. Although this house had suffered from extensive dry rot and structural problems, it also contained the most original woodwork, and the staircase was rebuilt using largely salvaged handrail and balustrades. Window shutters were carefully reconstructed, as was the marble fireplace in the main living room which had been badly damaged. No. 81 was built of soft local brick which could not be re-exposed after stripping of pebbledash, and it was . roughcast; the back wall was badly buckled and had to be rebuilt completely.

Heritage Trust Network 71

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

32. MILFORD HOUSE GATE LODGE MILFORD BUILDINGS PRESERVATION TRUST

Situated on the outskirts of Armagh City, the village Harriett McCrum and include costumes, furniture, of Milford owes its existence to the McCrum’s, one and porcelain and family papers. This is now housed of Ireland’s premier linen manufacturing families, at no. 57 William Street. who built a large linen mill in the early 19th Century, from which the village gets its name. Milford House In 2012 HMRC gifted the Somerset House London was the home of the McCrum family who owned ‘Mc Collection to Milford Buildings Preservation Trust. Crum Watson and Mercer Ltd’. Full Museum Accreditation having been achieved in 2013 by Arts Council . The collection has The present house is a largely concrete constructed, grown vastly with return of many items including sprawling Italianate mansion, mostly the work of the set of original electric chandeliers from the Robert Garmany McCrum, who between 1865 and Drawing Room. It is now of national importance 1915 made additions and alterations to an earlier more and currently attracts between 2-3,000 visitors a modest house. In 1915 Milford House, passed into year from all over the world. In the past five years the ownership of R.G. McCrum’s only son, William the Trust has been working tirelessly exploring the before becoming the Manor House School, Northern option to purchase a building in to house the Milford Ireland’s only Country House Residential School for collection so to provide greater public access whilst girls. From 1967 to 1994 it was used as Manor House continuing to campaign for the future of the historic Special Care Hospital. In 1996, it was purchased by buildings at Milford. Armagh City and District Council.

Milford Buildings Preservation Trust was set up in 2000 but despite the Trust’s sincere objection it was sold to a private buyer in 2002.

In 2007 the Trust undertook its first restoration Assisted by grants and loans from: project to restore Milford House Gate Lodge, built c.1880. The Trust undertook a Caretaker’s Agreement of the Gate Lodge, generally in good condition in Trust’s own funds need of major work, to restore the interior. Work Northern Ireland Museums Council £9,500 was undertaken by Trustees and paid for by three of (various small grants) the Trustees and the exceedingly generous financial Foyle Foundation £15,000 support of the past pupils of the Manor House School. Volunteer Now £1,500

The Gate Lodge was opened as the Milford House Architect: Jonathon Donaldson Collection in April 2008. Most of the original contents of Milford House were dispersed at auction in 1930, but some items were kept in the family. Grade B1 These have been donated by the grandchildren of Heritage Trust Network 73

Before (Image courtesy of Milford Buildings Preservation Trust)

After (Image courtesy of Milford Buildings Preservation Trust) Heritage Trust Network

33. & VILLAGE TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE INITIATIVE RICHILL BUILDINGS PRESERVATION TRUST

Richhill BPT formed in 2002, its aims and have stalled a second time, and the owners now objectives being to secure for the public benefit the appear to be working with NIEA to resolve the preservation and protection of buildings or structures backlog of repairs through grant aid. The Trust has of particular beauty or of historic, environmental, therefore turned its full attention to a major £1.3m architectural, industrial or constructional merit or regeneration scheme for the village and, as outlined interest in the Richhill area. In pursuit of these aims, in its ‘Master Plan’, involves 19 architecturally the Trust embarked on an HLF Townscape Heritage significant buildings. Initiative (THI), forming a much-needed partnership with Government and funding bodies. The Townscape Heritage Initiative concentrated on Main Street, dating from the 17/18th century, it is A project long in gestation, the Trust has particularly laid out along the drumlin hill, and was historically had the Castle - possibly the earliest surviving the commercial core of the village. It also focused on example of an unfortified residence in the province selected properties in the Square and in Irish Street, - in its sights. Richhill Castle, Listed Category A, Tandragee Street and Maynooth Road. Although was built in 1655 by Major Edward Richardson, not yet complete the Trusts work in initiating and MP for Armagh and from whom the village gets its administering an HLF funded Townscape Heritage name. The Castle sits on the hill top, set slightly Initiative has already greatly restored the character back from the Square at the head of the village. Its and appearance of the conservation area, sparking the two large Dutch gabled and pedimented wings, with social and economic regeneration of the village. dormers and tall paneled brick chimneys, being its most distinctive features. It also has a particularly Plans included repairing and restoring key historic fine staircase constructed of bog oak using dowel properties, improving the quality of open spaces, and joints without any nails. The building has fallen bringing redundant buildings back into commercial into some disrepair, with damage caused by water use. These improvements were to act as a catalyst for penetration. An AHF-funded feasibility study was further regeneration of the area – maintaining and carried out in 2005/6 (£4,235 disbursed November raising the heritage value of its conservation area 2006) but the project subsequently stalled when the status. Trust was not able to resolve the issue of ownership. The study suggested that a wedding, conference and event facility, to be managed by the Trust, would be the best use. The Trust was offered a supplementary grant to revisit this solution (OAG: £5,000 offered September 2012) and consider any appropriate Assisted by grants and loans from: alternatives as one element of a wider Strategic Comprehensive Regeneration Plan for the village. Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF Report 2012-13) Heritage Lottery Fund Grant - £772,000 The current owners were again thought to be willing to sell the Castle to the Trust, but negotiations Grade A, BHARNI Heritage Trust Network 75

Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society Heritage Trust Network

34. SHARP’S HOUSE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Sharp’s House is a two-storey stone-built house set Assisted by grants and loans from: within the demesne of . It pre-dates the present Castle, and is thought to have been built Grant from Environment & Heritage Service DoE in the latter part of the 18th century. The house has through Tourism Sub-Programme (EEC) been altered over the years, with the lower portion Own capital older and originally single storey, and the main portion of the house added in the course of the 18th century.

Architect: Hearth After being used as a scout hall for some years the house lay vacant and vandalised. An application for listed building consent to demolish was withdrawn Contractor: Francis Haughey, Keady when Hearth opened negotiations to buy the property under Hearth Revolving Fund. Grade B1 In the course of the restoration the attractive staircase, with its saddle-back ramped handrail and ornamental balustrades, was restored, but most of the windows and doors had to be replaced, with sash windows in the main part of the house and casement ones in the return, panel doors to the main rooms and sheeted ones in the small bedrooms. Plaster cornice mouldings were cast from fragmentary originals in the elegant main rooms. The window in the ground floor of the bow had been a conventional type, but in the course of work evidence was uncovered that it had originally been tripartite, and the window was restored accordingly.

Heritage Trust Network 77

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

35. WHALEY’S BUILDINGS HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Armagh is the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, and stairs and cornices, together with shutters and one of the finest Georgian towns in the country. The architraves in nos.48 and 50, provided evidence to fourteen houses that make up Whaley’s Buildings get restore the main rooms. their name from the inscription on the base of a stone urn on the corner of Castle Street and Upper Irish The scheme was awarded a Diploma of Merit by Street. Europa Nostra in 1995. The determination to save the group was a major factor in the Housing Executive The size of the individual houses and sheer carrying out an excellent new-build scheme on dereliction of the block made its restoration highly the remainder of Castle Street, which in its turn problematical. The roofs of many houses had facilitated the restoration of derelict buildings in collapsed, dragging down upper floors, and it was Market Street. impossible to survey some of the houses properly as they lacked floors and staircases, and had basements of indeterminate depth full of sodden plaster and rotting timbers.

Assisted by grants and loans from: The houses are built of random rubble conglomerate stone known as ‘Armagh marble’. The four-storey houses at 48 and 50 Castle Street are the earliest in Grants from N I Housing Executive the group; the generally two-storey houses of Upper DoE Historic Buildings grant Irish Street and 52-58 Castle Street are dated 1773, International Fund for Ireland although the stucco front to the former pub at no.2 Loans from AHF and Ulster Garden Villages is Victorian; and there is a pair of whitewashed vernacular cottages at 32-34 Chapel Lane which have been combined to form one house. A brick hall behind no.48 was demolished and a new entrance formed from Chapel Lane, while three new houses Architect: Hearth were built to form a terrace alongside the old (Project Architect: Dawson Stelfox) cottages. Derelict outbuildings on what is now a courtyard were demolished and stone salvaged from them to provide a ‘quarry’ for rebuilding the facades Contractor: Francis Haughey, Keady of nos.10 and 12 Upper Irish Street, which had been demolished by a bomb. Behind no.10 had stood a Grades B1 & B2 curious group of three ashlar stone arches which were dismantled and re-erected as the yard wall behind nos.52-54 Castle Street. An extraordinary bow rising the full height of the back of no.48 was largely rebuilt as it was in poor structural condition. Internally, very little timber had survived, but fragments of Heritage Trust Network 79

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

COUNTY DOWN Heritage Trust Network 81 Heritage Trust Network

36. DRUMBEG LOCK HOUSE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

One of the oldest buildings in the Belfast area, this Assisted by grants and loans from: cottage was built for the Lagan Navigation in about 1760, to designs by Thomas Omer, who built some N I Housing Executive half dozen lock-keepers’ cottages along the line of the Architectural Heritage Fund canal from Lisburn to Belfast for which he was the engineer, all following a distinctive square plan with National Trust arched recesses on each elevation. This cottage is built Pilgrim Trust of rubble stonework with red sandstone dressings, string courses and gables, and a Gibbsian doorcase in cream sandstone. Architect: Hearth Acquired by Belfast City Council as part of the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, the cottage lacked electricity and drainage when it was purchased for Contractor: Jose Areias, Belfast restoration by Hearth. Shortly before work started, vandals set fire to the building, gutting the interior. Grade B Fortunately, a thorough survey before the fire provided accurate details from which to restore.

Hearth carried out a complete restoration, including the demolition of an inter-war brick extension, and the reinstatement of two elevations which had been damaged or altered. This was the first fully ‘revolving’ project carried out by Hearth, and was only possible with the help of loans. The sale price covered repayment of the loans, but left no profit to build up a permanent fund. However, it demonstrated the viability of such projects, and formed the basis for future growth of Hearth’s revolving fund. Heritage Trust Network 83

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

37. HELEN’S TOWER - BANGOR IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

Helen’s Tower perched high above the rolling hills of Assisted by grants and loans from: Co Down is an enchanting three-storey stone tower nestled deep in the woods of the Estate. DoE Historic Buildings grant The tower enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding landscape which, on a clear day, reaches as far as distant Scottish shores. Architects: Kriterion Conservation Architects Built in 1848 by Frederick Lord , 5th Baron of Dufferin and Ava, in honour of his mother Helen Contractor: J S Dunlop,Ballymoney Selina Blackwood, Helen’s Tower has since been immortalized by Tennyson in the poem of the same name. Designed in a Scottish-baronial style by Grade A architect William Burn and constructed in 1848-1850 as a famine relief project, Helen’s Tower helped relieve unemployment at this time.

The tower has taken on an unforeseen poignancy, as an almost exact replica of it, the , was built at Thiepval in 1921 to honour the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division who fell at the Battle of the Somme. was used for army training during the First World War, and the 36th (Ulster) Division trained beside Helen’s Tower before leaving for France.

Restored in 1989 the tower has since been leased to the Irish Landmark Trust who undertook repairs to the roof structure and internal / external finishes while converting the building for use as self-catering holiday accommodation.

Heritage Trust Network 85

Before (Image courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust)

After (Image courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust) Heritage Trust Network

38. OLD SCHOOL HOLYWOOD OLD SCHOOL PRESERVATION TRUST

The Old School in Holywood was built as the Today the Old School forms an important part of Parochial National School in 1845 and consisted of a the Holywood Conservation Area attracting many large school hall which may have originally been two regular and occasional users, including tenants for separate rooms, together with living accommodation its small accommodation and office units. The 2nd at either end, one each for the male and female Holywood Scouts are once again using the hall, as teachers. A single-storey, seven-bay building with well as other regular users including keep fit classes a pitched slate roof, projecting eaves, decorative and a Sunday school. timber bargeboards and attic lights to gables, the school is marked on the 1858 Ordnance Survey map as ‘National School’. However, by the latter part of the 19th century the arrival of the railway had put Holywood in commuting distance of Belfast; leading to a rapid growth in the number of school pupils and a new, larger school was built in the town in Assisted by grants and loans from: 1887. The Old School, then redundant, became the Parochial Hall and this use continued until the 1960s. FSG: £5,575 disbursed April 2005 LOAN: £50,000 offered March 2006, withdrawn The 2nd Holywood Scout troop, having used the hall March 2008 since 1916, only ceased to meet here in 2002, when a Heritage Lottery Fund: £455,000 lack of maintenance meant that the deterioration of the fabric raised health and safety concerns. NI Environment & Heritage Service: £33,600 EU ‘Peace’ programme through the North Down As it was recognised as a well-loved building with Local Strategy Partnership: £5,000 local historical and social significance, a part of Ulster Garden Villages: £20,000 Holywood’s history, the Holywood Old School Preservation Trust was formed in April 2004, as a Garfield Weston: £10,000 single project trust to restore the building and find a Better Belfast Landfill Tax Credit Scheme: £6,000 suitable community use. A number of direct-funding schemes were undertaken including collection boxes Total Investment: approx £600,000 in local shops, concerts and selling ‘bricks’.

In 2009 the trust, having secured a substantial Architect: Consarc Design Group Heritage Lottery Grant and other funding completed an extensive programme of restoration putting the Contractor: Martin & Hamilton Ltd school back into sustainable use as a community facility for Holywood. Grade B1, BHARNI Heritage Trust Network 87

Before (Image Courtesy of Holywood Old School Preservation Trust)

After (Image Courtesy of Holywood Old School Preservation Trust) Heritage Trust Network

39. IRISH STREET, DOWNPATRICK HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Irish Street, with its generally narrow houses stepping Assisted by grants and loans from: up the steep hill to the fine three-storey Georgian house of about 1780 that is now the police barracks, Grants from Urban Development Programme is one of the three historic streets that made up the (IFI), mediaeval core of Downpatrick. Although the centre Conservation Area Grant, of Downpatrick has been largely reconstructed over Housing Association Grant, the years, it has a well documented history and many of the buildings are of considerable antiquity. No.27 Loan from Ulster Garden Villages is on the site of a building known as ‘Finniston’s Own capital half Tenement’, shown on a survey of 1708, where the tenant James Finiston paid a half year’s rent of £1.3s.4d for ‘a stone wall thatched house 2 storeys high, 4 back houses and spring well’. Architect: Hearth

The present buildings are all likely to date from about 1780-1800, and the shops would have been Contractor: Hugh J O’Boyle Ltd, Downpatrick inserted later as the town became more commercial. In many Ulster towns the upper floors of such buildings have fallen vacant, and Hearth undertook this project in order to encourage fuller use of the buildings in the centre of Downpatrick.

In the course of the restoration, the three houses were combined into two, and the three shops also made into two. Where original joinery details survived they were retained or repaired, and original shutters, sashes and staircase are still extant. In a simple partnership Hearth Revolving Fund restored the shops while Hearth Housing Association restored and manages the flats. Heritage Trust Network 89

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

40. CONSERVATION AREA TOWNSCAPE HERITAGE INITIATIVE THE PALATINE TRUST

Killough is a picturesque seaside harbor village were able to sell it on very rapidly. located along the coastline, . Due to its suitability as a port for the shipping of The three floors of accommodation were inserted locally grown grain Killough developed much in into the original shell with ancillary space provided in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. Today the the return. The passageway to the yard was enclosed village consists of a tree lined linear settlement with in glass to form a new entrance porch and lobby an historic harbor and a formal square known as leading into an open plan living/ dining area and Palatine Square, forming the core of the Killough kitchen. Conservation Area. A similarly striking restoration scheme to No. 3 The Palatine Trust was formed to secure the Palatine Square (BAR Vol. 3, p. 41) as part of the preservation, protection and improvement of the THI also transformed an important corner building buildings of historic and architectural interest and in the Killough Conservation Area which had merit in or near Palatine Square. In addition, the previously been derelict. The trust also contributed Trust also strives to restore and improve publicly small amounts to partner the Heritage Lottery Fund owned landscapes and townscapes within the supported repair of a listed church in the village and boundaries of the Conservation Area. a community scheme of environment improvements along the shore. In pursuit of these aims and in partnership with other local community groups, the Palatine Trust has The overall result of the trust’s work in the village been successful in securing substantial investment has enhanced the quality, public understanding and to restore derelict buildings within Killough and enjoyment of the historic fabric and townscapes of has partnered with other community led projects the Killough Conservation Area, the heritage led in the village, including the conversion of a derelict regeneration promoting a sense of place, community former school building into a Youth and Community and wellbeing. Hall, now administered by a separate charity, and the restoration of a popular coastal footpath known as ‘The Ropewalk’. The trust also undertook the conservation of a scheduled lime kiln and the historic sea-protection walls and pier.

In 2004 the trust administered a Heritage Lottery Assisted by grants and loans from: Fund ‘Townscape Heritage Initiative’ for the village undertaking townscape improvements to a number of buildings within the Conservation Area including the Heritage Lottery Fund: £385,000 (townscape heritage) restoration and conversion of a former 18th century grain store into a single dwelling for sale. A three- storey stone warehouse in random rubble, situated on Architect for Grain Store: Hall Black Douglas, Belfast the main street, which had been derelict and roofless for many years, it was not a straightforward building to convert, but they made a handsome job of it, and Contractor: Noel Killen, Downpatrick Heritage Trust Network 91

School before (Image courtesy of the Palatine Trust)

School after (Image courtesy of the Palatine Trust) Heritage Trust Network

41. HOMESTEADS MOURNE HERITAGE TRUST

Whilst the Mourne Heritage Trust is primarily The project involved the successful restoration of focused on the conservation of the natural seven traditional homesteads and was undertaken environment of the Mourne and in three phases. Rock Cottage, the first property Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Mourne restored under the scheme, completed in 2004, was Homesteads scheme was initiated in recognition formerly a derelict two-roomed Mourne cottage and of the significant contribution historic buildings now has a new lease of life as a 3 bedroom family make to the character of the area. The story of the home. project began back in 2000, when project funding of £30,000 from Ulster Garden Villages enabled The Mourne Homesteads scheme was completed in Mourne Heritage Trust to explore the possibilities of 2007 at a cost of £1.6million showing that adapting a restoration scheme for vacant vernacular buildings historic buildings to an exacting modern Housing within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Executive specification is possible, while still utilizing The Mourne Homesteads project was launched in traditional materials and skills to retain their intrinsic May 2000 with the appointment of a Built Heritage character and charm. This demonstrated powerfully Officer and in response to the growing awareness that traditional buildings can be adapted to provide of the loss of traditional buildings and associated comfortable modern homes. skills so crucial to the character of the Mournes. The Trust’s subsequent feasibility study showed that over 800 rural traditional dwellings had been lost in the Assisted by grants and loans from: Mourne area alone between 1985 and 2002. However, approximately 600 remained suitable for restoration. First phase Total investment £418,200 HLF: £214,950 Almost 200 owners responded to local advertisement, Esmee Fairbairn £50k coming forward with buildings suitable for Rural development council £60k restoration. Mourne Heritage Trusts selected nine Environment and heritage services £12.5k of the most suitable buildings for restoration (later Northern Ireland Housing executive £75k reduced to seven), representing an interesting cross- Ulster Garden Villages Limited £6,000. section of vernacular dwellings in the Mourne area; Second phase Total investment £444,800 from the smallest two-roomed cottage to a substantial HLF £225,000 two-storey house. Most of the dwellings in the Rural Development Council £29,000 scheme date from the late 18th or early 19th Century. NI Housing Executive £75,000 The buildings were all privately owned, unlisted, Ulster Garden Villages Ltd £1800 vacant and in varying states of disrepair with few Homeowners £114,000 having amenities or services. Also: Architectural Heritage Fund, Co-Operation Ireland, Duchas and the Pilgrim Trust A phased programme of restoration was devised, aimed at meeting existing housing needs by restoring a number of traditional buildings, in line with best Project received a European Europa Nostra Award conservation practice, to provide affordable and attractive homes for local people. This was run Architect: Alastair Coey Architects alongside a successful programme of traditional building skills training. Heritage Trust Network 93

Typical cottage before (Image Courtesy of Mourne Heritage Trust)

Typical cottage after (Image Courtesy of Mourne Heritage Trust) Heritage Trust Network

42. STEWART’S PLACE, HOLYWOOD HEARTH REVOLVING TRUST

No.3 Stewart’s Place is typical of the development Assisted by grants and loans from: of Holywood as a seaside resort in the 19th century, being one of a pair of three-storey stucco houses Grants from N I Housing Executive with rounded corners at the head of a narrow street DoE Historic Buildings grant on the seaward side of the High Street. The street is named after Hugh Stewart, the first post-master of Loan from Architectural Heritage Fund Holywood, and the houses were probably both built Own capital about 1840.

Typically for its early Victorian date, the house is externally plain, but has margin-paned windows and Architect: Hearth a doorcase with sidelights and fanlight. Internally however, it has generously-proportioned rooms with ornamental cornices and ceiling roses, chunky Contractor: Hugh J O’Boyle, Downpatrick Victorian fireplaces, panel doors, and an elegant curving staircase with wreathed newel. Having lain vacant for a number of years it had been vandalised, Grade B1 and the Housing Executive applied for listed building consent to demolish it, but Hearth offered to buy it.

Wherever possible, existing timbers were reused, but new balustrades, handrail and many replacement window shutters were required, while much of the ornamental plasterwork also had to be replaced. Structural repairs were necessary at the rear of the property, and an old three-storey return was demolished and replaced with a single-storey one. The house was re-roofed and the stucco renewed; and the railings were extended to enclose some vacant land left after demolition of the neighbouring terrace. Heritage Trust Network 95

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

43. TOLLYMORE FOLLIES, NEWCASTLE THE FOLLIES TRUST

In May 2010 the Trust undertook the conservation of Architect: Consarc Design Group three follies at Tollymore, near Newcastle, Co. Down. Known as Lord Limerick’s Follies this collection of three Grade B2 listed structures were erected along Contractor: Steven Hamilton, the estate boundary wall c.1750 to provide those passing along the public road a taste of the character Grade B2, BHARNI of the demesne inside. They include: a fairytale pair of castle like gate piers which, despite their spires and blind arrow loops, lead into an agricultural field; a pedestrian gate leading into the estate in the form of a cube with a pyramidal spire; and a tower, topped with a spire with steps leading to a landing, which marks the boundary between the Roden and Downshire estates.

All three were on the BHARNI register with the Trust undertaking their restoration in memory of Dick Oram, the conservation architect and founder trustee of the Follies Trust. The funds were raised from Dick’s family and friends and organisations with which he was associated. Heritage Trust Network 97

Before (Image courtesy of The Follies Trust)

After (Image courtesy of The Follies Trust) Heritage Trust Network

44. WATCH HOUSES THE FOLLIES TRUST

Perhaps one less obvious project the trust has Architect: Consarc Design Group undertaken is the restoration of two Grade B2 listed watch houses in Tullylish, Co. Down. Built in the mid-1800s to provide shelter for watchmen guarding Contractor: Steven Hamilton, Katesbridge valuable local linen spread out on the grass to bleach in the sun, the watch houses had long fallen out of Grade B, BHARNI use and are today a rarity.

Concerned that the structures would deteriorate further and be lost, the Follies Trust took on the challenge of restoring the watch houses. Their dedication and success in obtaining funding from ENTRUST (Landfill tax), NIEA, and donations resulted in the structures being conserved in 2013.

Before (Image courtesy of The Follies Trust) After (Image courtesy of The Follies Trust) Heritage Trust Network 99

Before (Image courtesy of The Follies Trust)

After (Image courtesy of The Follies Trust) Heritage Trust Network

45. TULLYMURRY HOUSE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

A passing inspection of Tullymurry House reveals a 2012 witnessed the very extensive refurbishment symmetrical two-storey, three bay, L-shaped Georgian of the house and part of the large farmyard and its residence with detached outbuildings. However, like migration from a farming establishment to a self many historic buildings the house appears to be a catering holiday home managed by Irish Landmark product of a number of alterations and extensions of Trust. an earlier building which evolved to suit the changing needs of its owners; cartographic evidence suggests Shortlisted for Northern Ireland’s CEF Construction an earlier dwelling existed on this site, perhaps as Employers Federation’s “Best Restoration’ excellence early as the 17th century, being originally known as award 2013. Tullymurry was the only residential Tullymurry Cottage. It is this cottage, along with its property to reach the final. The CEF jurors were later extension of c.1700, which is thought to form particularly attracted to the fine detail and original part of the present day kitchen and bathroom end methods of construction employed at Tullymurry of the house. The imposing Georgian front section, to ensure that none of the unique character nor which gives the house much of its current appearance atmosphere of the old dwelling house were lost and character, being added by the Weir family c.1780. during the successful restoration process.

The Weir family continued to reside at the house until 1828. In this year John Marshall, a member of a wealthy local family, purchased the house and married Charlotte Weir. The Marshall family Architect: Hearth were extensive landowners and owned much of the Tullymurry ; they were also responsible during their residency for establishing the parkland in Contractor: John Mc Aleenan Building Contractors front of the house. The house is shown in its present form and captioned ‘Tullymurry House’ on the 1859 Ordnance Survey map. At the time of the 1862 land Grade B1 Valuation, it was still occupied by Dr. J Marshall. Its valuation later increasing from £20 to £23 in 1877 on account of new outbuildings being erected.

A Marshall family misfortune led to an insolvency situation in 1895 out of which Joseph McMinn of Castle Ennigan was able to purchase the house and part of the Tullymurry farm. The McMinn family were a frugal, hardworking farming family in the last century but did much to ensure that the fabric of the house was properly maintained. The house and yard complex are now owned by the fourth generation of the McMinn family. Heritage Trust Network 101

Before (Image Courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust)

After (Image courtesy of Irish Landmark Trust) Heritage Trust Network

COUNTY FERMANAGH Heritage Trust Network 103 Heritage Trust Network

46. CURRY’S COTTAGE HEARTH REVOLVING FUND

Curry’s Cottage is a thatched mud walled cottage Restoring the old cottage involved stabilisation of the with a crucked frame roof set in attractive but severely bulging mud walls and repairs to the ancient poor farming land near the southern border of Co roof timbers, along with new services. Hearth has also Fermanagh. Due to its construction the cottage is built an annex alongside it (a conventional extension believed to date from the mid-17th Century and is was not possible without breaking into the hipped one of a small number of cruck cottages still surviving roof) in place of recent byres, in order to provide the in the province, but a very significant survival as few modern facilities of a kitchen and bathroom, along are now in their original location. The last owner, Mr with a bedroom. The annex houses the more intrusive Seamus Curry, was born in the cottage about 1920, elements of modern living, but it is not intended to and his family had been there for some time before be self-sufficient, and the old kitchen of the cottage that, although they are not thought to have built it remains the focus of life in the farmstead. and the similarity of the local townland name, Corry, may be just coincidence. .

Externally it is a simple single-storey dwelling with whitewashed mud walls curved at the corners, small Assisted by grants and loans from: windows, a half-door, and a deep overhanging hipped thatched roof. Behind is a tin barn storing turf and The Heritage Lottery Fund provided £94,000 for withys for thatching, while a stream runs alongside Acquisition the hedge to the road. In a field nearby Mr Curry DoE Historic Buildings grant grew rye for thatching, as he maintained his own Own capital cottage.

Internally, the house has a stone hearth for the turf Architect: Hearth fire under a wide open chimney, the traditional crane for the kettle, and a beam over the hearth to carry goods that must be kept dry. The ceiling is open Contractor: Andrew Boyle (Phase 1); to the roof, exposing the cruck trusses which rise T Chambers & Sons Ltd (Phase 2) from the wall and support a series of rough narrow ‘purlins’ that carry the turfs and thatch of the roof. This central room is known in Ireland as the kitchen, Grade A combining as it does the functions of kitchen, dining and living room in one small space, and the half-door leads directly into it. The even smaller rooms off it at each end are bedrooms, and here the ceilings had been sheeted over. Heritage Trust Network 105

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network

47. TRIUMPHAL ARCH LODGE, COLEBROOKE IRISH LANDMARK TRUST

This lodge is one of the gateways to Colebrooke .Assisted by grants and loans from: Park, one of Northern Ireland’s most important and historic stately homes which was recently renovated Architectural Heritage Fund Options Appraisal and refurbished by the present Viscount and Grant of £3,000. Viscountess Brookeborough. The Triumphal Arch Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £161,000 Lodge is Grade B Listed. Colebrooke Estate has a DoE Historic Buildings grant long history dating back to the 1640s when a large portion of confiscated land at Brookeborough was Green Box given to the Brooke family as a reward for services during the 1641 rebellion. The estate has remained in the Brooke family ever since and has been home to many notable military and public figures including Architects: Kriterion Conservation Field Marshal Viscount Alan Brooke and Northern Ireland Prime Minister Basil Brooke, 1943 -1963. Grade B, BHARNI The gate lodge and Triumphal Arch entrance were designed in 1830 by Dublin architect William Farrell for Sir Henry Brooke to complement the great house beyond and make an impressive approach to the estate, while at the same time showing the taste of the Brookes and acting as an introduction to the grandeur that was to come. It is in an isolated location which was much affected by the ‘Troubles’. The building featured in the first Buildings at Risk catalogue in 1993, vacant, neglected and in a ruinous state. The owner did not have the resources to restore the building but was prepared to offer a 50 year lease to Irish Landmark Trust whom commissioned a single-use study to assess the viability for letting the lodge as holiday accommodation. Irish Landmark completed the conservation of the Lodge in 2009. Heritage Trust Network 107

Before (Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society)

After (Image courtesy of the Irish Landmark Trust) Heritage Trust Network

COUNTY LONDONDERRY Heritage Trust Network 109 Heritage Trust Network

48. THE NORTHERN COUNTIES CLUB INNER CITY TRUST

The Inner City Trust, based in Derry, Londonderry city’s Cathedral Quarter further supporting the ethos is a Charitable Trust addressing physical, social of the Inner City Trust to improve the physical, and economic challenges. Its core objectives are economic and social fabric of Derry’s inner city. the relief of poverty and the pursuit of education and opportunity to promote physical, social and economic regeneration. Physical regeneration takes the form of delivering productive end uses by restoring and reinvigorating buildings that have fallen into disrepair, but also playing a wider developer role to acquire sites within the City. The Trust is very Assisted by grants and loans from: much at the heart of Derry’s recent rising prosperity stimulated by its City of Culture status in 2013. Heritage Lottery Fund (2014): £784,000 Inner City Trust’s own funds: £3.1 m By distributing that part of its income not used for DSD: £595,000 re-investment to local charitable causes the Trust also aims to promote social regeneration by tackling DoE Historic Buildings grant: £155,000 themes such as alcohol, drugs and suicide care. Finally, by working closely with all stakeholders the Trust’s direct and indirect investment contributes significantly to the underpinning of economic Architects: Mullarkey Pedersen Architects regeneration within the City Centre and Waterside areas. Contractor: Conway Builders Ltd The Trust has undertaken ‘numerous’ conservation projects within the city walls having residential and Grade B1, BHARNI commercial properties for sale and also venues in the Craft Village. It has also been successful in attracting significant HLF funding (£784,000) for old The Northern Counties Club on Bishop Street.

Built before the year 1830 and remodeled in 1902 the old Northern Counties Club is a well-known landmark in the city centre, for many years a private members’ club, it became vacant in 2006.

The Trust completed its restoration of the building in 2016 providing the city with a new luxury hotel and restaurant, creating 62 jobs, providing training opportunities and boosting the city’s tourism potential, but also acting as an important catalyst for the regeneration of upper Bishop Street and the Heritage Trust Network 111

Before (Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society)

After (Image courtesy of Ulster Architectural Heritage Society) Heritage Trust Network

COUNTY TYRONE Heritage Trust Network 113 Heritage Trust Network

49. HOUSE THE TRUST

Lissan House is a large 17th Century country residence for visitors; also the creation of a country park with which sits at the heart of a 267 acre demesne in valley walks, as well as upgrading of the external access and of Lissan Water at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains, parking, with the construction of an adventure play area, . For nearly 400 years the estate was and the installation of interpretation to tell the story of the home of the Staples family who established an the house and family. ironworks here in the early 1600s. The present house was constructed by Sir Robert Stables in the 1690s with The repair work to the historic fabric of the house later 18th and 19th Century alterations and additions received much needed listed building grant aid from giving the building much of its present appearance the NIEA to the value of £ 167,440.00 the work and character. These include a clock tower, a single- including the removal of modern cement render and its storey windowed carriage porch and a large ballroom. replacement with a lime-based render and whitewash, re- Yet massive walls at its core still attest to Lissan’s 17th roofing the house, replacement of the windows to their Century origins. original Georgian style, re-plastering and an electrical and plumbing overhaul. The late Hazel Marion Radclyffe Dolling, elder daughter of Sir Robert George Alexander Staples, 13th Baronet A real success story the Trust opened the doors of Lissan of Lissan and Faughanvale, was the last member of the House to paying guests in 2012 following the extensive Staples family to occupy the building. Hazel recognizing restoration and now offers numerous attractions as well the significance of the estate and anxious about its long as an attractive conference and wedding venue. Lissan term prospects established a charitable trust in 1997 Tea Room and Second Hand Bookshop form part of the charged with the restoration and preservation of Lissan trust’s wider business plan for the estate and opened in for the enjoyment of future generations. Leading the 2013 adding to the visitor offer. campaign, she brought Lissan to nationwide attention in the BBC Restoration TV series of 2003 and won huge support from a captivated public however, Lissan missed Assisted by grants and loans from: out on 1st place along with the substantial Heritage Lottery prize fund which would have restored the house Architectural Heritage Fund for community use. NIEA Listed Building Grant Aid ( £ 167,440.00) Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) When Hazel died in 2006 she gifted the house to the Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT) Friends of Lissan Trust for the benefit of the community Manifold Trust to restore and develop it as an attractive destination Ulster Garden Villages (UGV) for visitors. The trust embarked on the preparation District Council of a grant aided Conservation Management Plan for South West Action for Rural Development the whole of the estate securing substantial investment (SWARD) of £250,000 from the South West Action for Rural £250,000. Development (SWARD) from Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme and additional funding from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB); Ulster Total investment in phase 1: £1,170,440 Community Investment Trust (UCIT); Manifold Trust; Ulster Garden Villages (UGV); Cookstown District Architect: Nick Groves Raines Architects Council and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Main Contractor: Corramore This first phase, which cost £1.2 million in total, included substantive external repairs and internal works Grade B+, BHARNI to upgrade the house to make it accessible and attractive Heritage Trust Network 115

Before (Image courtesy of Ulster Heritage Society)

After (Image Courtesy of R. Matbouli) Heritage Trust Network

50. SION MILLS STABLES SION MILLS BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST

Sion Mills is an historic mill village, developed from By 2011 Hearth had acquired the building and raised 1836 by the Herdman family who continued to run sufficient finance to carry out holding repairs to the a linen mill there until the company’s final closure Stables. This consisted of stabilising the structure in 2004. The conservation village has many historic and reinstating the roof in order to let the building buildings but most prominent is the mill of 1855, dry out while further funds were raised and planning built to designs by Lanyon, Lynn & Lanyon, and permission for the conversion and a new classroom recently badly damaged by arson. Yet perhaps the was awaited. The belfry was reinstated at this stage. most unusual structure is Sion House, the Herdman’s family home, built in 1840 and later rebuilt in 1883 by The major phase of the restoration started in 2014. By Emerson T Herdman to a half-timbered mock Tudor this stage a formal partnership had been agreed with design by architect William Unsworth Amongst the the Sion Mills Building Preservation Trust, with a other buildings Unsworth designed for the village is view to their managing the building on completion. the stable block for the house, dating from 1884. It In the short period since that the Stables heritage would not be out of place in a Tudor village with its education centre has become a focal point for village steep rosemary-tiled roof and small latticed windows, life. but the belfry with its four-faced clock is more obviously Victorian.

Sion House changed ownership and went into steep decline, not helped by bomb damage to the stables. The stables, situated on the side of the main road running through the village, became a matter of concern to NIEA. Urgent Works notices were discussed, and the possibility of compulsory purchase to save the building was explored. Assisted by grants and loans from: Eventually Strabane District Council took matters into its hands and served a notice in 2008 requiring Pilgrim Trust the building to be made safe as it was on a public ARC (NW) thoroughfare. The intention was that the owner would remove loose tiles or repair the roof but Garfield Weston Fund, when the belfry ended up on the ground and a JCB Headley Trust, turned up to tumble the tile-hung gables, the NIEA DoE Historic Buildings grant moved fast to implement its long-considered plans Loan and grant from Ulster Garden Villages and within a week the Stables had been vested and acquired by the DoE. The Heritage Lottery Fund Grant: £923,500

This was the first time the DoE here had compulsorily Grade B+, BHARNI acquired a listed building in order to secure its preservation, and it is still the only occasion. Heritage Trust Network 117

Before (Image courtesy of Hearth)

After (Image courtesy of Hearth) Heritage Trust Network Heritage Trust Network 119

BUILDING PRESERVATION TRUST MEMBERSHIP IN NORTHERN IRELAND

Belfast Buildings Trust

Cushendun Building Preservation Trust

The Follies Trust

Glenarm Buildings Preservation Trust

Gracehill Old School Trust

Hearth Revolving Fund

Holywood Conservation Group

The Irish Landmark Trust

Lagan Navigation Trust

Lisburn Buildings Preservation Trust

Milford Buildings Preservation Trust

The Palatine Trust

Richhill Buildings Preservation Trust

Sion Mills Buildings Preservation Trust

Templemore Users Trust

Ulster Historic Churches Trust

Ulster Workhouse and Famine Trust, Lisnaskea Heritage Trust Network is a membership organisation run by people who have delivered amazing heritage projects against all odds.

CONTACT

HERITAGE TRUST NETWORK 13 - 15 FLEET STREET BIRMINGHAM B3 1JP

Phone: 0121 233 9283 Email: [email protected] Web: www.heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk