Plans to bring new life to former Manhattan Bar site in Lurgan

Lodged by agent McCreanor and Co Architects on behalf of applicant PKO Leisure Ltd, the application seeks permission to alter, conserve and renovate the former site of the Manhattan Bar at 38 Church Place, Lurgan.

Permission is sought to retain the building’s use as a public house,and the work will see the reinstatement of fire damaged floors and ceilings; the installation of gas fired central heating; rewiring; installation of fire alarm and burglar alarm systems; the repair of historic fabric and the replacement of inappropriate and fire damaged windows.

There are also plans to make alterations to the shop front and alter a number of door and window openings as well as reinstate fire damaged roof structures and reslate pitched roofs with natural Welsh slate; reinstate collapsed gables and chimneys and redecorate the entire property.

The building, which was built in the mid-1800s was destroyed in 2014 as a result of an early morning fire.

A design and access statement accompanying the application notes “the majority of the property had been gutted by the fire with the loss of the roof and most of the upper floors” and claims the “property had been in a state of dereliction ever since”.

The statement also notes that in order to make the scheme financially viable, an urban development grant under the townscape heritage initiative scheme will be required.

It concludes by stating: “The proposed works are necessary for the long-term sustainable use of the building.

“They will not adversely affect the character of the building and they will bring a building, which is roofless, and has been vacant for several year, back into occupation.

“The urban development grant under the townscape heritage initiative scheme will only be available to buildings in the Lurgan conservation area for a limited period.

“The scheme started in 2019 and will close in 2024. This building is on Council’s priority list to avail of this funding. Due to the condition of the property, grant assistance is vital to make this scheme financially viable.

“It is a time limited opportunity to conserve this building to a high level, to rectify past inappropriate alterations and to bring back historic detailing that has been lost.”

According to the application form the redevelopment is expected to see the same number of staff and visitors frequent the location as there was prior to the fire.

Lodged on Tuesday, November 8, the application’s neighbour consultation period expires on Friday, December 2, while its standard consultation period expires on Tuesday, December 6.

The application will be advertised until Friday, December 9.