Irish language group submits plans to redevelop historic market yard in Magherafelt town centre
Mid Ulster planners are considering proposals to redevelop the Old Market Yard in Magherafelt town centre that has been unoccupied for years.
Plans for a 'dedicated Irish language supported community use with ground floor retail premises incorporating external design proposals closely aligned to previously approved’ have been submitted from Glór Mhachaire Fíolta, a group set up to promote the Irish language.
Two years ago Glór Mhachaire Fíolta, supported by An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, acquired the long-term lease for the Market Yard and its buildings from Magherafelt Town Trustees.
The town centre site has been empty for at least 20 years.
The group hopes to use the property as a base from which to operate while providing facilities that the whole community could benefit from – such as the popular Christmas market and Speciality market held in the summer.
They recently carried out a survey seeking the opinions of local people on the future of the Market Yard site.
Neighbourhood notification letters regarding the plans have been sent out by planners to occupiers of properties in the vicinity that could be impact by the development.
Dating back almost 200 years, the Market Yard was one of a number of new buildings provided to ’improve the town’ by then leaseholders Belfast merchant Thomas Bateson, and Lord Londonderry Robert Stewart.
Over the years there have been various development plans put forward to revitalise the Market Yard site, including one for a hotel.
Members of Mid Ulster District Council's Planning Committee will make their decision on the proposal at a future meeting.