the historic conservation of Carrickfergus, contributing to the sustainability of the local economy

Supporting

Why?

Who is responsible?

• Carrickfergus Castle is a key landmark and popular visitor attraction.

• Significant factory closures, changes in buying habits and proximity to Belfast have led to a decline in Carrickfergus’ traditional town centre economy.

• Director of Operations

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

As of the end of December 2022, 8 properties have been successfully restored to practical completion.

Of the 2 projects currently underway:

Up to 10 buildings of historical and architectural interest restored (including eight existing awarded schemes), through the Townscape Heritage Initiative, with Council and Heritage Lottery grant assistance, by 31 March 2023.*5

Outcomes

What you will see

The local community will have a better understanding of built heritage.

Property 9 – within the six month update, it was reported that the project was experiencing delays due to site investigations. These investigations are ongoing and it is therefore unlikely that this property will be completed by 31 March 2023. An application has also been made to the Heritage Lottery for additional funding which is required in order to deliver the project and the project team are currently awaiting the result of this application.

Property 10 – building work commenced in November 2022 and is expected to be complete by May 2023.

An ‘Education Pack’ and accompanying resources have been developed and can be downloaded for free from Council’s website. The pack is aimed at enhancing awareness of Carrickfergus’ history, examining how it has changed and why.

The project team have commenced work to deliver a closing event and booklet upon project completion.

Our aim How are we doing so far this year?

Up to two new grants awarded by 31 July 2022.

A total of ten buildings of historical and architectural interest restored by 31 March 2023.

2 new grants were awarded by July 2022.

8 buildings have been restored up to the end of December 2022.

Works on the 2 ongoing properties are likely to extend into the new financial year.

The Education Programme has largely been completed.

Indicators

How we will measure progress

An Education Programme completed by 31 March 2023.

Within the last quarterly update it was noted that research was undertaken into the significance of the historic staircase within 10 High Street. This work is ongoing.

The delivery team are in talks with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Council’s museums team to efficiently maximise the potential of the work completed within the Education Programme to support future exhibitions and generate greater opportunities from historical tourism.

Increased floor space for retail, commercial or residential use by 31 March 2023.

Increased inward investment and local employment opportunities related both directly and indirectly to heritage and tourism growth.*⁶

The square footage of floor space restored or converted for use will be established upon project completion.

*⁵ Timescales updated following funder approval to extend the scheme to 31 March 2023.

*⁶ Prior key performance indicators relating to increased town centre footfall and lower vacancy levels have been removed. These targets are no longer deemed achievable by March 2023, in light of current economic trends and the on-going impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To be established upon project completion.