The first of a series of planned works to breathe new life into Ardnabannon House has been proposed.
Plans to restore and refurbish office and administration buildings at the Annsborough site were recently submitted to the council by Ardnabannon House Limited. Last month, the Mourne Observer revealed that a PAD (pre-application discussion) submission – which allows potential applicants to discuss plans with planners prior to lodging a full application – to potentially transform the B1-listed Ardnabannon Road building into a new hotel and wedding venue, with additional ancillary tourist facilities, had been lodged.
The restoration and refurbishment plans consist of two applications – one seeking full planning permission and the other seeking listed building consent. A design and access statement says that “these proposed emergency works to the existing workshop and stores, located in the former ancillary buildings, are to make them structurally sound and refurbish the existing offices.”
This would include “opening up of the existing front wall of the courtyard to provide a new access point to the offices and new car parking spaces in front.”
The document reads: “The proposals under this application include: removal and demolition of elements of the former ancillary buildings, including internal walls, external gate, windows, roof lights and doors; insertion of new internal walls, windows, conservation roof lights, doors, railings and steps, edges and external gate – all to suit the building era and office use; and insertion of services installation to suit office use, including passive ventilation stacks at roof level.”
It is highlighted that Ardnabannon House is comprised of “a two-storey Victorian residence with other associated historic buildings, comprising former stables and servants’ quarters,” as well as “modern day additions and extensions.”
“The building is in the custodianship of owners who have appreciation of its historic value and who hope to install energy efficiency measures to align with the long-term needs and aspirations of the estate,” the statement continues.
“The proposals within this application are the first of a series of planned works to breathe new life into Ardnabannon House. These works will introduce a working presence on the site for the first time in nearly a decade and will be a good introduction for the owner to understand in depth how the building has been constructed and weathered.”
Ardnabannon House, in its setting, projects the original design intent of a significant house reflecting the industry of the area and the wealth and success of its owners within the mill village context. Ardnabannon House dates from circa the mid-1860s and is B1 listed. It is significant individually and as part of the group of buildings that contribute to the historic character, industrial and architectural heritage of the former mill village within the wider surrounding area.
The document states that “the external features of the listed building are in good condition,” and that “the form and character of the historic building elements will remain intact.” “The proposal, under this application, is seeking to restore a former use into the building, as part of the wider aspiration to ensure the longevity of the building,” it concludes.
“The elements to be demolished are not original to this part of the building and do not form part of the priority heritage associated with the listed building. The setting and character of the house will be retained within this application.”
After purchasing the site in 1967, the South Eastern Education Library Board transformed it into Ardnabannon Outdoor Education Centre, which closed its doors in 2017. The site has been disused since then.
