Lurgan Area of Townscape Character Guidance

CONTENTS 1.0

INTRODUCTION .............................................. ........... .. ................ ................ 4

2.3

Guidelines for changes to shopfronts ..................................................... 16 Shopfront surrou nd ....... ........................ .......... .......................................... 17

2.0

Stallrisers ... ......... ....... ...... ......... .................................................................. 18

DESIGN GUIDELINES ........................ ............................. ... .................. .......... 5

W indow frames and door .. ..................................................................... .. 18

2.1

Alterations, extensions and new buildings in the area ........................... 5

Suspended ce ili ngs .. ............. ........................... ................ .............. ........... 19

Rhyt hm .......................................................................... ........... ................. ... 7

Faso a signs ........ ................... ... ................... .............................................. 19

Scal e ................ .......... ...... ................. .......... ...... ........... .... .... ............. ............ 7

ll \uminc1ted fascia signs .. ........... ........ ....... .... .............................. ............ ... 2·1

Corners .... .............. ... ............ .......... .. ..... ............................... ........................ 8

Projecting and hanging signs ......... ................... ......................... .............. 21

Dormers ...... ... ........ ..... ............................ .................. .... ............................... 9

Blinds, canopies and shutters ...................... .............................. .............. 22

Decorative d etails ..... ............. ...................... ........................ .

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Other signage .... ................... ....................... .......... .......... ......................... 22

M aterials .. ...... .......... .............. ....... ........... ...................... ............ ... ............. 10

Upµ~r f loors ............. ................................................................. ................ 22 Materia ls and details ....... ................... ................ ..................................... .. 22

2.2

Guid elines for courtyard developm ent ................ ................................ ... 11 Layout d esign ............................................... ...... ... ............. ....................... 11

2.4

Access for disabled ............. ....................................................................... 24 ............ .. .... ....... 24

Re-use of buil d ings ............. ....................... ....................... .. ................. ...... 12

Co unt ers and ch ecko uts ...... ....................... ..........

New build proposa Is ..................... ...... .............................. ................ ......... 13

To ilet s .................................... ..... .............................. .................. ...... ... ...... 24

Gateways .. ......... ....... ............... .. ..... ................... .... ............... ... .... .............. 13

Leg islat io n ........ ............. ......................... ... .. .... .......... .......... .. .. ................... 24

Advertisi ng and sig nag e ............................. .............................................. 14 Reta il front ages ..... ... ............................ ... ................. ....... ....... ................ 14

Appendices

M dt erial s ....... ......................... ...... ..... ................. ........ ............ .... .......... ..... 15

Ap pendix 1 - Glossary of t echnical t erms .. ... ....................... .................... 26

Landscape co nsideratiom ................ ........... ...... ........................ .............. .. 15

A ppendix 2 - Schedule of list ed build i ng s wit hin Lurg an ATC ......... ...... 28 Append ix 3 - Sources of information .............. ......................................... 33

L u r g a

1. 0

1.1

" r e a • 0 I • T INTRODUCTION

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A reas of Townscape Character are designated fo r areas which exhibit a d istinct character, normally based on their historic built form or layout. Lurgan's town centre has many positive features which include a strong urban pattern largely unchanged for hundreds of years; a generous heritage of traditional buildings; and an abundance of hidden spaces and courtyards.

1.2

Th e town of Lurgan derives its origins from the vi l lage developed by the Brownlow family during t he early 17 11, Century. By 1622 t he village consisted of some 40 properties which were largely destroyed through the insurrections and unrest of the 17'h Century. The rebuilding that had taken place during the 18th Century has la rytJy det ermin ed th e shape of the town centre to the present day. It was the n that the linear main street was laid out along an undulating ridge and flank ed with long narrow plots with buildings fronting the street forming Church Place, Market Street and High Street, intersected by Union and Carnegie Streets, Windsor Avenue and Castle Lane.

1.3

Today, enclosure of t he thoroug hfare is provided by a wall oi­ building facades on eithe r side 2-3 storeys in height. These f acades are generally traditional in sty le and incorporate several listed buildings as we ll as a number o·f buildin gs of local significance.

1.4

The boundary of the ATC has been drawn to identify that area of Lurgan Town Centre where the townscape is of loca l historic

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sign ificance, and where special protection of the built heritage, including both listed and non-l isted buildings, is necessary.

Pre 1641 Map

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2.0

DESIGN GUIDELINES

Alterations, extensions and new buildings in the Area The form and character of Lurgan is a product of its historic development as a market town. Within the ATC a high proportion of

2. 1.2

Where future development is to take place the Department shall seek a higher quality in terms of design and materials used . The form of

the o riginal buildings remain. Although the buildings are varied in

new buildings should respect the rhythm, scale and building lines of

detail and design, there is a unity to the main street produced by the

the town centre streets. There is little scope for the extension of most

consiste11t building line; pitched roofs with the ridge line running

of the town centre buildings except for additions to the rear, or roof

parallel with the street; common use of materials; and the vertical

extensions. Guidelines for development within the rear of properties.

emphasis of the elevations created by the rhythm of bays and

particularly courtyard developments, are dealt with below in the

windows. Where redevelopment has taken place it has in some

section "Guidelines for courtyard development".

instances produced an unsympathetic design unresponsive to the character of the town centre.

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2. 1.3

Are a • of • T o w n s c a p e •

The guidelines for the ATC are developed from the characteristics and qualities of the existing Area. New development should reinforce these particular characteristics to ensure the enhancement of the Area.

-frontages to keep to the existing building line frontages to be between 5-10m in width, producing a variety and rhythm comparable to the existing •

buildings should be predominantly three storey with eaves heights being between 7-9 metres elevations to have a vertical emphasis, with new buildings complementing and respecting neighbouring frontages

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a high level o-f elevational detail on main street frontages

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window openings should follow the existing rhythm and levels of the neighbouring properties

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Rhythm

Scale

2.1.4

2. 1.5

New developments requiring larger ground floor shop units and

New buildings should respect the context of their setting i.e. the scale

wider frontages should not be allowed to interrupt or weaken the

and form of the area into which they fit. Most of the existing

rhythm of the street. Th e elevat ional treatment must reflect the

Victorian buildings are three storey in height though there are a

pattern of existing/adjacent frontages. Any alterations to existing

number of two storey properties on both the north and south sides

buildings should ensure the retention of features such as pilasters;

of Market Street, and at the eastern end of the High Street. Large

decorative stonework or stucco detailing, defining th e frontage sub­

buildings extending over a number of plots and ignoring the rhythm

divisions.

of the narrow shop fronts will not be acceptable.

2.1 .6

Modern buildings will often have a lower floor to ceiling height ratio than the older properties and it may be that four storeys of a new block will equate to the height of an older three storey building. In such instances, the new building should be designed to relate to the adjacent buildings, for example, the height of the fascia should be roughly in line w ith that of other shop fronts. Cornices or stringcourses can be carried through on to the facade of a new building so that it reads as being part of the continuous street frontage.

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Corners

2.1.8

a c t e r

Corner buildings mark the transition between the main shopping street and the quieter residential roads running off Market Street

2.1.7

One of the ATC's strengt hs in its urban form is the linear street

and High Streets. Many of the existing buildings change in scale as

pattern and continuous frontage punctuated at intervals by streets

t hey turn t he corner from th ree storeys to two storey frontages

running to the north and south. Where t hese streets enter t he main

resu lting in a more domestic scale and character than the main

fa<;ade. corner sites are created w hich have a significant visual impact

facades.

on the character of the area and which celebrate thei r position with i n the townscape e.g. the Mechanics Institut e at the junction of Union and Market Streets. and the bui ldings of the Northern Bank and Carnegie Inn framing access to Carnegie Street

2.1.9

New corner developments should provide strong solid forms of massing and detail in response to its position as an 'end' to a section of 'high street' frontage. The design of the buildings should attempt to wrap around the corner and respond to both the primary and secondary frontages it forms. This might entail having the shop w indows on both streets, or, architectural detailing such as cornice li nes being carried through both elevations.

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Dormers

dam age or destroy these features of interest but should fit comfortably

2.1.10

Although dormers are not a common

within the framework of the existing

feature within the ATC, they do provide

details. Any new work should be ca rried

interest and rhythm to the roof line.

They usually take the form of a small

out with care and attention to quality, resulting in a positive feature of the

gable as an element of the facade.

building.

Gables are strong elements and require appropriate proportions which relate to

2.1.14

Bu1ldfng maintenance should provide for

the height and plot width of the

the repair and restoration of decorative

buildings to ensure visual success.

features rather than their removal or

Mansard roofs with windows visible

characte r to the ATC.

replacement thus preventing the loss of 2.1.11

from the street level or set back dormers are not appropriate for the ATC.

Decorative details 2.1.12

Many of the buildings within the ATC have interesting elevational detailing, including pediments and architraves, cornice lines, banded rustication on lower floors and rustic quoin strips on the corner s or the buildings.

2.1. 13

Alterations to the buildings should not

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Materials 2.1. l S

The materials within the town centre are varied and include stone, brick (of several colours but mainly red) and, most commonly. coloured render. Roofs are mostly of slate. The elevational treatment of new building s should be of an appropriate material, in context with their adJacent properties. and with an acceptable level of detailing.

2.1.16

Fenestration and door patterns are also important. Large areas of glass or large single pane windows should be avoided as far as

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possible.

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2.2

Guidelines for courtyard development Layout design

2.2.1

The development of the back land areas within the ATC gives the

2.2.2

A high degree of enclosure is

opportunity to create an intimate character for a number of spaces

desirable to ensure an intimate

complementary to the main streets, while at the same time,

environment within the courtyards.

preserving and enhancing the traditional form of development

This has generally been achieved

within the Area. The guidelines aim to provide control over the

through the historic boundaries

layout and design of proposals within these areas while ensuring the

con straining the long narrow sites.

flexibility for innovative design and accommodating the demands of

These boundary lines should

local development pressu res.

influence the form of new development; thereby ensuring enclosure is achieved. The requ irement for parking provision may be a design aim; th is requirement should not be a reason for creating excessively large open areas, which destroy the traditional qualities of these spaces.

2.2.3

The scale and massing of the buildings around the space will determine the sense of enclosure achieved in these back land areas.

Single storey developments should be avoided . The use of a single storey element may be acceptable, providing it links t o the massing of other elements and does not detract from the visual enclosure of the courtyards.

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2.2.4

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A r e a •

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Any proposed development should avoid w here possible, long

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Re-use of buildings

narrow spaces; instead attempting to provide a mJm ber of spaces, or linked courtyards. Where a scheme proposes the developm~nt of

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2.2.5

number of backland sites as one unit, the layout should provide for a

pa rticular character to the space, and in such instance5, their

series of linked spaces, rather tha n a single large parking lot, with

rernntion will be a primary consideration.

development around it. Where a space Is in excess of 40 111cl·es in length, or 15 metres in width, it is desirable that the said space be divided into smaller elements through the use of buildings, walls or surface treatments.

Buildings already existing within some courtyards ohen lend a

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2.2.6

Prominent features such as entrance archways should be retained.

Wh ere the nature of the development dictates an alternative point of access, this type of architectural detailing should be applied to prevent "the loss of character to the Area. Alternative options for th ese existing fea tures may include their re-use as a shop front within the arched aperture.

2.2.7

The retention of existing sash windows, wooden doors and roofing

Gateways

materials should be a priority within any refurbishment proposal.

Rep lacements should replicate the original, with any new openings

2.2.10

Most of the existing Lurgan backland areas are accessed via a covered

within the building corresponding to the existing fenestration and

arched gateway, which forms an intricate element of a two or three

entrance patterns.

storey main street frontage. This traditional form heightens the pedestrians' impression of discovery, and provides for a sense of

New build proposals

anticipation upon entering throug h the gateways. There are a few

22.8

New development will be required to respect the context of the

examples where th is traditional arched form is not present and an dttempt should be made either to create an archway through a new

traditional backland building form. \t should create an impression of

built frontage or to provide a gated entrance feature.

a solid built form; provide a sense of enclosure to the courtyard; and should have a direct re lationship to the main street frontag e.

Impressions of solidity come from the proportion and relationship between solid and void within the elevations. This is of particular concern where proposals may require the creation of shop windows within both new development and the existing buildings. Display windows should not be excessively large but should reflect traditional patterns.

2.2.9

Roofs add to this impression of solidity. With the exception of flat roofed developments, a p itch of at least 30"wi ll be required to ensure appropriate proportions.

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Advertising and signage 2.2.11

The overall treatment of the courtyard should form the character of the space, thus reducing the requirement, and the excessive use of si gnage either outside the development or within the courtyard. The characte r of th e space can be enhanced through the imaginative use of co-ordinated signage, lighting and street furniture that may be incorpo rated with a theme to create a unique identity.

Retail frontages 2.2.12

Within the courtyards, the aim of creating a specialist retail environment will require the development of shop units normally with window displays. The use of at ypical shop fronts should be avoid ed . Instead, a doorway and separate window, o f domest ic scale, should be provided to ensure the retention of the courtyards intimate character. The use o f sta ndard shop fronts could create a 'high street ' character t o the courts and lessen their individual identity and att raction . If there is a suitab le location for shop fronts within the development they should have a narrow frontage and be of a traditiona l form as described above in the design guidelines for 'Alterati o ns, Extensio ns and New Build ings in the Area·.

Materials 2.2.13

The use of too many different materials and treatments, or the unsympathetic mixing of materials, may create a sense of visual confusion. Traditional materials and construction techniques are generally more preferable than modern treatments when placing a new development into a traditional urban scene.

2.2.14

Brick or painted render for elevations, with slate roofing is required for new development in these areeis. In selecting slates, :he main consideration must be the best match with the any existing buildings.

In some cases instances, a slate-substitute may provide a better match than natural slate from foreign sources.

Landscape considerations 2.2.15

Within the courtyard, a mix of hard surfaces will help to define vehicular and pedestrian areas. Materials could include brick pavers, stable blocks, cobbles, stone slabs, setts and gravel. Disabled .iccess through the development is a requirement .

2.2. 16

Soft landscaping should also be introduced where appropriate,. in providing a feature for the development or in screening it from any open space it may back onto.

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Lurgan •Area•of•Townscape

C h a r a c t e r

2.3 Guidelines for changes to shopfronts within the prooosed ATC 2.3.1

projecting illuminated sign which complies with the condition* and limitations set out in the Control of Advertisements Regul ations 1989.

The character of Lurgan Town Centre has been eroded in some instances, through the application of inappropriate shopfronts.

Quality shopfront design will be a major factor in maintaining and upgrading the character of the Area. Individual shop owners will be

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required to take a considered approach to shopfront design.

2.3.2

applications for shopfronts.

2.3.3

disabled requirements.

These guidelines will establi sh the general design principles and indicate the standards the Department will require when considering

Building Regulations approval may be needed to ensure the shopfront complies with structural, fire and access for the

2.3.4

Within the centre of Lurgan there are two types examples of commercial frontage - those not specifically designed for commercial use and retaining a domestic scale window and separate doorway; and those which provide a large all-in-one window and doorway -

The guidelines give both good practical design advice and set standards to be attained for listed buildings w ithin the ATC. The

the latter being the most more typical.

forms of statutory control over advertisement and shopfront design within these different designations are as follows:

2.3.5

Where the original frontage has survived or the shopfront has historic interest. every effort should be made to retain these features

Planning permission is required for the 1erlc1cement of a

und i f necessary carry out repairs and restoration. The~e frontages

com plete shopfront; a significant alteration to an existing shopfront; and the installation of a blind or canopy and

generally have detailing and decorative featu res, distinct from those of modern alternatives, w hich when replaced, may detract from the

shutters or grills.

cha racter of the Area.

Listed Building Consent is needed for any works which would effect the special characte r of a listed building whic.h includes all forms of development listed above as well as all other non illuminated signs; and the demolition or removal of dn existing shopfront .

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Advertisement Consent is needed for; any sign above 4.6m from ground leve:I or above any first floor window sill, whichever is lower; illuminated signs on a blind or canopy; large individual letters (over 750mm); any illuminated sign which does not relate to the name of the business; any sign exceeding one illuminated sign parallel to a wal l and one

2.3.6

Si nce its late eighteenth century origins, the traditional shopfront form has had a number of common elem ents used to form harmonious yet varied designs. These elements will form the basis of the guidelines. Where existing shopfronts are to be altered, the design should take account of the following guidelines based on the traditional pattern .

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Shopfront surround

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sympathetic to the style of the buildin g; they are normally painted ti mber, stone or render. They should not be clad, treated separately

2.3 .7

A new shopfront should not be designed in isolation from the rest of

on each side of the party line, or cluttered with fixtures such i.lS signs,

the building but in relation to the entire facade. Vertical elements

alarm boxes or blind fittings.

should continue through the front of the building with columns or pilasters following through to the ground and framing the sides of

2.3.10

Within the ATC or on listed buildings the design and materials for the

the shopfront. This adds emphasis to the subdivision of a terrace into

pilasters, capitals and cornice should relate to the architectural style

separate buildings units. If a shop occupies more than one unit, the

of the building on which th ey are fitted. Decorative mo uldings

shop front and fascia are often sub-divided with pilasters and

should be copied from an original nearby shop or an hi5to rica\

ser.,0rate fascia signs, so that rhe

pa ttern book.

individual buildings are emphasised.

2.3.11

In a terrace of properties an agreed general colour scheme between individual owners/traders, can g reatly enhance th e presentation of all

2.3.8

Where the building form creates a surround, shopfro nts should

det ailing, including the upper floo rs, to highlight the architectural

preferab ly be designed to fit

features of the building. Drainpipes from the roo·f should not obscure

w ithin its parameters and not to

such features. They should either be positioned away from decorative

extend beyond it. The surround

features, painted to match the background or if possible kept away

betw een former individual units

from the frontage altogether.

should not be re moved if the shop occupi es several buildings. If parts of t he surround are removed, the shopfront will no longer relate t o th e rest of the building's frontag e.

2.3.9

t he properties as a w hole. Careful use of colour should apply to

Stone or w ood en pilasters sho uld be maintained and resto red. They should be created in a manner

L u r g a n

Area •of•Townscape•Charac ter

Stall risers 2.3.12

Stallrisers arc the solid panels below the shop window. They can be

Window frames and doors 2.3. 14

The design of these element~

useful to provide a visual base to the shopfront; to screen

within the shopfront allows the

unattractive floor areas; to produce an element of horizontal unity in

most scope for creativity and

the streetscene; to bring displays of goods closer to the shopper and

individual design. Through the

to protect the shop window from damage. It should be care-fully

use of interesting shapes and

proportioned in relation to the shopfront as a whole and should be

proportions, colour, quality

constructed in good quality, hard wearing materials.

materials and lively w indow displays, a distinctive shop front

2.3.13

The base of the pilasters or existing traditional stall risers in adjacent

can be created which will form

units shou ld determine the height of any new stallriser. The general

part of a visually interesting

design and details of mouldings and sills should respect the

street scene.

architectural period of t he property. The materials for the st.allrisers and upstands should respect the main building and shopfront.

2.3. 15

Imitation historical styles in a

Acceptable materials include; timber, stonework, brickwork to mat ch

building of a different date are

upper facades, painted smooth render, slate, matt finish tiles or good

inappropriate. For example t he

quality terracotta.

use of th e Georgian st yle in Victorian or Edward ian properties should be avoided.

2.3.16

The scale and proportion of window frames, glazing bars and door locations should respond to the proportions of the upper floors of the building and the elevational design of the street. The vertical proportions and narrow bay widths of the older premises should be emphasised by using glazing bars or mullions to divide windows into vertically pro portioned sections, so avoiding large panes of glass. The hori7. ontal li nes found within the shopfront should be lined up, such as ~Lal lriser sills to door panels and clerestory to fan lights.

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Glazing should always be

secondary fascia, which changes the proportions of the shopfront,

transparent, even in non-retail

and the continuity of horizontal lines within the streetscene. The

units. Solid or partly in-fi lled

installation of suspended ceilings should not result in an extension of

frontages will always be

the fascia or any other detrimental effect on the frontage.

unacceptable even on non-retail uses such as banks, offices and

Fascia signs

restaurants. An internal screen should be provided in the form of a

2.3.2 1

One of the identified strengths within Lurgan town centre is the

permanent display behind the

number of independent traders. Owners and shopkeepers should be

glass, curtains or blinds.

encouraged where possible to have unique and imaginatively designed fascia signs, creating an attractive and interes-ting shopping

2.3. l 8

To ensure the continued viability of

environment .

upper floors along the high street area for independent use from the ground floor, existing independent entrances to upper floors within the shopfront should not be removed within a proposed shopfront replacement. New shopfronts sho uld respect the materials and design of an existing secondary entrance.

2.3.19

Corner shop units often have windows on to each s-treet. Where this is the case, the side window should not be blocked up. A single

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aspect shop may disturb the balance of the design and may have an impact on secondary shopping streets because the shopping frontage is broken.

Suspended ceilings 2.3.20

The use of false or suspended ceilings within shops interiors can have a visually obtrusive effect on the external appearance of the shopfront. This is often disguised through an extended fascia or a

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2.3.22

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The f unction of the fascia is t o advertise, and hence it's pro minent

2.3.25

The w 1d tl1 of the fascia sho uld be conta ined with in t he pllastN s and

location wi thin t he sh opfront at the top o f the sl1op w indow. It acts

capi tals, or alt ernatively, be in line w i th the window frame below

as a visual break between t ile shop window an d the upper floors of a

wh ere the capitals are missing. Wh ere a sto re occupies more than

building, providing a highly visible ,md import.int design el emen1

o nC! unit oi a building with prominent structural bays, each unit

within the visual character of t he street ~cene. Poorly designed

shoul d have a separate fascia.

fascias, which attempt to com pet e with o ther shopfronts, have a negative impact on the entire shopping street.

2 3.26

Information conta ined on the fascia should include; - a simple and clear messag e containing the street number; the name and/or trade

2.3.23

Fascias should be seen as an integra l part of the shop front desig n.

of the premises; and possibly t he t elephone number. Standard fascia

Th ey should be set back w ithin the shopfront and its fra me, and

design~ which ~dvertise p roducts, w ith th e shop name a~ a small

sho uld not give the impression that they hdve bee.n attached as d

sec.ondary feature, should be avoided.

later additio n. It is important that the fascia has the correct sc.:ile r elative to th e other element~ of t he street ~cape.

2.3 .27

The style of lettering. including size, colow. and typeface are an lmport.int aspect of the shopfront, allowing bot h indi11id ualrty and

2.3.24

The highe~t point of the fascia

interest.. In general, a dark col oured fascia with gold. whit e o r light

should reach but n ot obscure any

coloured letters provides the most sa tisfactory solution.

window ledge, cornice, strlng course or pilasters defining the

2.3.28

Hand painted signs can be tailored to the individual shop and can be

shopfront surround. On buildings

highly attractive w hen painted by an imaginative sign writ er. An

with stone surrounds to the

appropriate less costly alternati vely is t he use of metal or ma tt

shopfronts, t he pilasters and

finished plastic applied to a ha nd painted fascia board. Plas11c si g ns

cornice will delineate the

tend to be less personalised and can therefore be less desirable. Box

appropriate location and depth

signs are o nly acceptable if t hey can be recessed so that they do not

for ;:; ta~cia. Properties witho ut

project out from the shopfront.

d efinition t o their elevatio ns, should restri ct the highest point of the fascia to t he f loor level of the first floor. The depth of t he fascia should be confined t o t he depth of th e capita l$. If capitals do not exist, the fascia depth should not exceed on1? fifth of the d ist ance between the cornice and pavement.

Illuminated fascia signs

Projecting and hanging signs

2.3.29

2.3.31

If fascia signs are required to be illuminated it is preferable that t his

Hanging signs can provide an attractive individual visual element as

is achieved externally. Internal illuminations using a pl astic box can

part of a street theme whilst providing additional advertising w h ich

detract from the appearance of the shopfront, due to their depth

can be seen from a distance. They provide a far more attractive and

and materials used in construction. Front-lft fascias can provide an

elegant form of advertising than projecting internally lit box signs.

attractive and individual element to the shopfront design through

Hanging signs should be positioned at or just below fascia level

the use of unobtrusive spotlights and concealed neon tubes. An

allowing at least 2.1 metres between the pavement and the lowest

alternative is the 'halo lit' individual lettering where the letters stand

edge. They are usually best used close to pilasters so emphasising the

proud and are illuminated from behind.

division of the shop units. If necessary they can also be externally illuminated as with the fascias.

2.3.30

As well as creating interest to the elevation of the street frontage, shopfronts can also provide elements to proJect into the street scene.

2.3.32

There should only be one projecting sign for each shop unit or structural bay. The size of a projecting sign and any frame or support

These can add human scale to the street's width. shelter from the elements, and add colour and vivacity to the street scene.

should be modest. The depth should be less than the traditional fascia depth and generally a maximum dimension of 600mm depth or width will be appropriate. Within the ATC, projecting signs should be non-illuminated and of a traditional hanging or bracketed design.

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A r e a

of •Townscape•Character

Blinds, canopies and shutters

Other signage

2.3.33

2.3.36

The use of well designed blinds along Market Street and High Street

Although signs on the inside of a shop window, or displayed within a shop unit, do not require planning consent. they can severely detract

could provide rhylhm and colour enhancing the shopping character of the area and giving shelter to pedestrians and extem olly displayed

from the visual amenity of the Town Centre. Large areas covered by

goods. The colour, style, location and number of blinds will have a

window sticl<ers and large illuminated signs within the shop are not

major effect on the streetscene and so control and guidance 1s

acceptable. Acceptable forms of internal signage include signwriting

required. There is a historic precedent for straight roller or apron

on the glazing c1nd wet\ designed suspended signs.

blinds in the area dating from the rnid-19th century. Blinds may be wholly inappropriate on some Georgian or earlier buildings.

Upper floors 2.3.34

Canvas flat blinds are the traditional t orm found within t he area.

"Dutch" blinds should be avoided as they generally weather poorly

2.3.37

Upper floor business premises should be advertised by lettering

and are often in a standardised plastic form. 1·f blinds are installed

applied directly to the inside of the windows. By contrast, 'loud'

"they should be seen as an integral part of the shopfront design,

poster displays are unattractive and inappropriate.

being fully retractable into a blind box which itself does not protrude in front of t he fascia or pilast ers being positioned in line with the c1 rchitrave. Cano pies should not be fitted across pilasters or shopfront

Materials and details

surrounds.

2.3.38 2.3.35

The number of materials in a shopfront design should be kept to a

If shutter blinds are used for night-time security they should be

minimum. Over-elaborat e shopfronts may have a detrimental impact

integrated into the shopfront, with individual blinds for windows

on the traditional frontage and should therefore be avoided. Timber

and doors. Where blinds are necessary they should be 'open-weaved'

is the trnditional material for shopfronts and should be used on older

and should prefcrc1bly be inside the window wi th partial internal

buildings, where its finish and detailing sho1.J ld r eflect the

lighting. If external shutters are required, the shutter box should be

architecture o-f the whole facade. If it is regularly maintained it can

treated as a part of the shopfront design and should not project in

have a long life, and avoids the rapidly dating look of many

front of the fascia or pilasters. The use of solid blinds should be

alternative m at erials.

avoided as they create a complet ely b lank frontage at night and create a dead town centre after sho pping hours.

2.3.39

Plastics should be used with great care and are generally not appropriate for older buildings. Aluminium shopfronts provide a cheaper, low maintenance alternative, and as long as other design requirements listed above are followed, they can prove acceptable.

The bronze, black or similar anodised finishes generally look much better in use than standard satin aluminium.

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Access for disabled

2.4 2.4.1

Area•of•Townscape•Character

The Building Regulations req uire th at all n ew shopfronts arc

Legislation

accessible to d isabled people.

2 .4.4

Counters and checkouts

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, the Disabled Perso ns Act 1981 and the Housing and Planning Act 1986 all require t h a t provisio n is made for disabled people in various building types

2.4.2

Counters, checkouts and turnstiles are often unsuitable for people

and place a duty on the local authority to draw attention to the

with reduced mobility and create barriers for access. They should be

requirements of these Acts. The main document outlining standards

designed with care so that anyone is able to make use of them. The

t o be achieved, are the Building Regulations.

appropriate height for a counter is between 600mm and 800mm abo ve floor level. At least one checko ut. in a su permarket mu~t be

The Building (Disabled People) Regulations Part M 1987 amends th e

wide enough for a person in a whe<: lchair t o use although, ideally, it

1985 Building Regulations and updat es the sections whi ch deal wit h

would be desirable for them all to be accessible. The mi nimum w idth

access and facilities for disabled people.

is 800mm and the checkout must be clearly signed.

Toilets 2.4.3

2.4.5

Toilets should be accessible to disc1bled people whether they are for public or staff use. A separate d isabled

we is

preferred.

2.4.6

The new Regulations apply to all floors of new offices and shops, including bars and restaurants. They also apply to the entrance storey of factories, schools and other educational establishments, and to any other premises to which the public may be admitted.

2.4.7

The principal requirements are: Access "to and within" the relevant premises; At least a specific number of spaces to be allocated for wheelchairs in halls and auditoria and stadia, where access to all the seating is impractical due to it being tiered or fixed; Accessible sanitary conveniences.

2.4.8

The Regulations apply to new buildings and to those being "altered or extended". The altered building must not be "adversely affected" with regard to access and facilities for disabled people.

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C h a r a c t e r

APPENDIX 1 Glossary of technical terms Architrave:

In Classical architecture the lowest of the three divisions o-f a

Edwardian:

beam or entablature. Also refers to the lintel, jambs and

The association of architectural style and ideas to the reign of King Edward VII (1901-1910).

mouldings around a doorway or window.

Fa~ade:

The exterior face or elevation of a building.

Fanlight:

A window over a door.

Building of Local Significance: Occupies a critical location in the ATC. e.g. central in an important view In or out, or forms a corner or acts as a

Fascia:

visual stop;

A broad flat band or board often used in the context of shop fronts where the name of the shop or its owners is to be found.

Is integral to the historic built form o·f the ATC, e.g. part of a unified block frontage;

Fenestration:

The arrangement of windows in a building.

Has historical associations unrelated to townscape or

Georgian:

Time period used to describe English Late Renaissance classical

architectural factors.

Bay:

A type of window; one of a series of uniform divisions of a

architecture during the reign of the four Georges (1714-1830).

Glazing bar:

Part of a window.

building frontage.

Mansard Roof:

Capitals: Clerestory:

The architectural feature at the head of a column.

A double pitched roof having a steep lower slope and a flatter upper portion.

Mainly used in church architecture. for the upper rows of

Mullions

Horizontal and Vertical bars, which divide a window into a

windows which are above the roofs of the side aisles; the

& Transoms:

number of lights.

whole level of elevation containing such windows.

Pediments: Cornice:

Dormer:

A low-pitched triangular gable above a temple fa<;ade; a

The upper and projecting part of an entablature in Classical

smaller version of the same above a door or window. Also

architecture.

seen as a termination to roof structures

Upright window set in sloping roof.

Pilasters:

A rectangle feature in the shape of a pillar projecting from the face of a building, but having no structural function .

Eave/Eaves:

The overhanging lower part of a roof.

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Proportion:

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- -

Refers to the relationship in terms of size and arrangement of the various elements in a fa~ade.

Quoinstone:

Raised stonework to be found at the corners and angles of a building.

Rustication:

Masonry cut in blocks with the surface left rough and unfinished (as opposed to ashlar). Principally used in Rena issa nee buildings.

Scale:

The size of a particular building or its components when considered in relation t o its surroundings, or in reference to the human form.

Stallriser: String course:

Solid Panel below a shop window.

A moulded projecting horizontal band on the exterior of a wall.

Stucco:

Smooth plasterwork used on ceilings and on the outside of buildings as a facing material.

Vernacular:

A style of building or architecture peculiar to a particular locality.

Victorian:

Ti me period between spanning c1837-1901.

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APPENDIX 2 Schedule of Listed buildings within Lurgan Area of Townscape Character QUEEN STREET t-1814/ 18/001

Methodist Church, Queen St reet, Lurgan

c1820

Hall plan cruciform roof. Simple Gothic detai l.

UNION STREET H B14/23/030

Town Hall, Union Street. l urgan

1868

Two storey w ith basement, Blackst o ne and rustic brick dressings.

Adjoining the 'Mechanics Inst itute'.

MARKET STREET HB 14/23/031

M echanics Institute, 69 Market Street. Lurgan

1858 Carnegie Inn, 25-27

A two-storey corner building with tower all stuccoed in the 'venetian' st yle.

Market Street,

HB14/23/04S

Carnegie Inn, 25-27 Market Street. Lurgan

c1900

Lurgan

Formally known as the Central Bar. A three storey brick building with echoes of Arts and Crafts styling. Ground floor bars still unchanged in their p lanning arrangements although many of the finings are not original. The upper f loors were bedrooms as it was also a hotel catering for commercia l travellers arriving to pick up the train.

HB14/23/048

Northern Bank. M arket Street, Lurgan

1901

Ulster Bank, 14-16

A two storey classical building with a red brick upper storey above a

Market Street,

rusticated stone gro und f loor. A lternating segmental and triangu lar

Lurgan

pediments to the upper windows; corn ices to the ground f loor windows; and an open pediment to t he corner entrance. This corner building, situated on a main thoroughfare, contributes to the late Victorian and Edwardian character of the town. Designed by Godfrey Ferguson.

HB14/24/028

14-16 Market Street, Lurgan

1911

Three storey stone built building with Gran ite base.

CHURCH PLACE HB14/23/035

40 Church Place, lurgan

Early 19"' Century fronts and

Chrisl Churr/J,

replacing 18th Century structures

Church Place

Three st orey dwelling converted to use as a school, slated and stuccoed wit h Ionic porch .

H B14/23/037

Christ Church, Church Place

Of two building periods 1725 and 1836. Enlarged 1931

Most of the spire is of the original building. Blackstone with sandstone dressings. Untutored Gothic styling.

H B14/23/047

Lurgan War Memorial

1920s

A hexagonal Rom an Doric templelike pavilion in Portland stone with a domical stone roof surmounted by a bronze winged figure.

The monument stands on a raised mound approached by three flights of stone steps located in a memorial garden. Designed and executed

,

I l ~·f,. .

-

lurgan War Memorial

~ .

by LS Merrifield this is one of the finest war memorials in Northern Ireland.

HB 14/23/049

Carnegie library, Carnegie Street, lurgan

1906

An asymmetrical three bay red brick building, comprising on the front elevation, a pyramidal - roofed two-storey entrance tower flanked by a gabled single storey block and a gabled two-storey block.Tripartite

Carnegie library,

windows to the grou nd floor, w ith a cusped and arched entrance doorway

C.vn,-.gie Street,

in the centre. The free treatment of the Palladian motif doorway i n red Dumfries

lurgan

sandstone is an unusual feature. Designed by Hobart and Heron .

L u r g a n

H.B14/24/001

Are a •

o f • T o w n s c a p e • C h a r a et er

48 Church Place, Lurgan

c1900

A three storey building, t he t wo upper fl oors are variegated brick •·.:hi le the ground is dressed w ith decorative fence.

HB14/21/004a

20 Church Place, Lurgan

HB14/21/004b

21 Church Place, Lurgan

HB14/21/004c

22 Church Place, Lurgan

HB14/21/004d

23 Church Place, Lurgan

Late 19th century

Three-storey terrace slated and stuccoed.

HB14/23/012

41 Church Place, Lurgan

Mid-19'" Century, remodelled later

An individual design, terraced into the street, slated and r endered.

HIGH STREET H B14/23/032a HB14/23/032b

45 High Street, Lurgan

Late 181h Century

47 High Street, Lurgan Two storey, slated and rendered dwellings with two classical door cases

H 814/23/033

Early 19th Century

43 High Street, Lurgan A three-storey dwelling slated and stuccoed.

H B14/24/009

First building on

Former Friends Meeting House, High St, Lurgan.

the site 1696 The present building predominantly 1882. Three bay, two storey front, stuccoed, ecclectic classical detailing .

HB14/2 4/010

Friends Entrance & Gates, High St, Lurgan

c.1880

P.i ir of decorative iron ca rri age gates hung on cast iron piers and flan ked by pedestrian gates

H814/24/ 013

60 High Street. Lurgan

Early 19"· Century

Three storeys, slat ed and rendered dwelling (forms a group w ith Presb yter ian Meeting House and no. 62 High Street).

HB14/24/014

1" Presbyterian Meeting House, High Street, Lurgan

First building 1827, refronted c.1860.

Renovated 1932

Stuccoed front in Roman Doric style but poorly pro portio ned.

Behind a plain Blackstone hall o f 1827.

HB14/24/016

16 High Street, Lurgan

1902

Two and a half storey deco rative brick building above ashlar ground floor.

HB 14/24/023a

80 High Street, Lurgan

HB14/24/023b

82 High Street, Lurgan

HB14/24/023c

84 High Street, Lurgan

HB14/24/023d HB14/24/023e

86 High Street, Lurg an

HB14/24/023f

90 High Street. Lurgan

Late 19th century

88 High Street, LL1rgan Three storied terraced dwellings. Basalt with yellow brick dressings.

HB14/24/025a

52 High Street. Lurgan

HB14/24/025b

52A High Street, Lurgan

Early 19th century

Three-storey, stuccoed with classic detailing.

HB14/24/026

48 High Street, Lurgan A three storey townhouse, slated, variegated brickwo rk and classical detailing.

Early 19'h Century

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HB14/24/027a

42 High Street, Lurgan

HB14/24/027b

44 High Street, Lurgan

HB14/24/027c

46 High Street. Lurgan

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Early 19"' Century

Three-storey terraced group. Slated. Blackstone, stuccoed d ressings of coade stonek eys.

HB14/23/001

49-51 High Street, Lurgan

c1835

A double house hotel of three storeys with ionic porches and other classical details. The basement is enclosed with deco,·.,tive iron rail ings.

HB14/23/015

Methodist Church, High Street, Lurgan,

Built 1826, refitted 1888 on the site occupied by the first Presbyterian congregation since 1684

Two three storey bay symmetrical street frontage. Inside the lobby gives access t o the gallery. The congregation was founded in 1748 and first built a church o n this site in 17S3.

The building was rebuilt in 1826 and refitted in 1988 to meet the needs of the great revival of M ethodism and increasing cong rega tions. The detailing of the main front wa s also modified.

The interior is practically complete and a rare survivor at this scale from this peri od .

WINDSOR AVENUE H814 /24/032

Masonic Hall, Windsor Ave nue, Lurgan A two-st orey red brick building in Queen Anne style, with Dut ch gables, moulded terracotta keyston es, wavy pedimented doorway and steep turret roof t o the stair tower designed by Godfrey Ferguson . Located near the main street, this building adds considerably to the Victorian character of t he Lurgan Town Centre.

II

1899-1900

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APPE tD/X 3: Sources of lnformat,on

A Planning Strategy for Rural Northern Ireland Planning Policy Statement 1: General Principles Planning Policy Statement 5: Retailing and Town Centres Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage Craigavon Area Plan 2010- Draft Plan Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch, Department of the Environment

5-33 Hill Street Belfast BT1 2LA Photos courtesy o-f Craigavon Area Plan Team Marlborough House Central Way Craigavon BT64 1AD

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