Carrickfergus regeneration sites part of heritage 2020 celebration

The positive impact of a £2m regeneration project in Carrickfergus will feature in a short film for European Heritage Open Days (EHOD).
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Sep 2020, 15:11 BST
Updated 7th Sep 2020, 15:37 BST
Kelly's coal office before restoration work was carried out.Kelly's coal office before restoration work was carried out.
Kelly's coal office before restoration work was carried out.

EHOD is an annual event which sees hundreds of Northern Ireland locations open their doors with many hosting free events.

However, due to the coronavirus emergency and in the interests of public health and safety, it will be offered as a virtual experience for 2020.

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Carrickfergus Townscape Initiative (THI) will present a short film for #EHOD2020 on the restoration work ongoing at the Warrant Officer’s House, Guard Room and Gaol in Antrim Street which will include a visitor’s facility with information on the military history of the site. It will also feature some exciting archaeological finds at 10 High Street.

Wool spinning will feature duriing EHOD2020Wool spinning will feature duriing EHOD2020
Wool spinning will feature duriing EHOD2020

The THI scheme is delivering much-needed regeneration of the built fabric of the town, as well as conservation and restoration of properties of historic and heritage value. Two conservation success stories are Dobbins Inn Hotel (read here) and Kelly’s coal office (read here), now restored to their former glory.

THI is a five-year funding programme, currently due to complete in July 2021, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as principal funder (£1.55million) with additional funding contributions from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (£0.55m).

You can enjoy this short film, which also includes interviews with heritage staff and THI board members involved in the scheme, on September 11.

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Meanwhile, the Andrew Jackson Cottage at Boneybefore is featured this weekend with two traditional craft activities being demonstrated on Mid and East Antrim Council’s Facebook page:

Traditional craft activities are part of the virtual event.Traditional craft activities are part of the virtual event.
Traditional craft activities are part of the virtual event.

Saturday, September 12, 12noon, Spinning Wool with Kay Johnston

Sunday, September 13, 12noon, Rag Rug Making with Madeline McGreevey.

Organised by the Historic Environment Division, Department for Communities, virtual EHOD will take place September 7 to 13.

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The High Street premises prior to regeneration.The High Street premises prior to regeneration.
The High Street premises prior to regeneration.

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Related topics:CarrickfergusNorthern Ireland