Co Antrim: Steeple House restoration and parkland development project takes step forward
Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors have agreed to progress the restoration of Steeple House in Antrim to the next phase of a redevelopment project.
The council-owned grade B+ listed Victorian/Edwardian mansion house located in Steeple Park was destroyed in an arson attack in 2019.
Councillors have agreed a preferred option for the longer-term stabilisation of Steeple House, creation of a courtyard facility with toilets; trail development throughout the park, installation of infrastructure and heritage interpretation, creation of vehicular access and parking on-site.
Steeple Park is a listed historic 30-acre garden demesne where a grade one listed 10th century monastic steeple round tower is also located and is in the care of the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division.
The council which owns the parkland has a statutory obligation to maintain the ruins of Steeple House and its outbuildings. An application is to be submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to cover 70% of the undisclosed cost of the Steeple House and parkland project. The council will be required to pay the remainder of the sum.
However, if the National Lottery Heritage Fund application is unsuccessful, the council is likely to pursue a reduced option at the location which would involve work to stabilise Steeple House and outbuildings.
Minutes of a discussion, which took place at last month’s Community Development Committee meeting, said there is a sum of money contained within the council’s financial reserves as a result of an insurance claim following the blaze which may be used towards the cost of the project.
The minutes also noted following the arson attack, a number of short-term safety measures were put in place to protect the ruins and further remedial work is required to “prevent further deterioration of the building”.
Councillors were advised progression to the second stage of the development project would see the appointment of an integrated consultancy team and preparation of a full business case.
A recommendation to approve an outline business case subject to a successful application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for 70% of the project cost was proposed by Antrim DUP Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM, seconded by Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Cllr Stephen Cosgrove and agreed.
It was also agreed to progress the Steeple House and parkland project to stage two of council’s capital programme.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter