Proposal to upgrade cottages welcomed

A planning application has been lodged by for Gills Alms Cottages, 32A-26B Ellis Street, for refurbishment and upgrade works to the existing listed building, which dates from 1761.

Alderman Brown said: “I welcome the proposed upgrade. The Gills Almshouses are historic premises in the borough. We need to retain our links to the past but ensure they are suitable for the present.”

There is a second row of almshouses at Governor’s Place, which date from 1842.

Gill’s charity, according to Carrickfergus and District Historical Society, was formed in accordance with the wishes of Alderman Henry Gill to provide for 14 men “decayed in their circumstances provided they were not inclined to drunkenness”.