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A petition has been started with the aim of saving a building that is destined for demolition as part of a planning permission application by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council for the new Newry Theatre and Conference Centre at Bank Parade in the city.
Newry man Sky O'Hanlon's online petition wants to stop the demolition of 2 Bank Parade the former office of Ross Thompson Ltd as well as Newry Museum.
The planning application for the new theatre on the current site of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre would require both the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre and the former Ross Thompson buildings to be demolished. Plans by council to seek approval for the planning application for both the new theatre and the civic centre were both pulled at the last minute from a Council planning meeting 2 October following online submissions of objection to the civic centre application.
Speaking about the early 19th century building O'Hanlon said "Plans have been proposed to demolish it, disregarding its heritage, to make way for a new theatre and conference rooms. This is not an isolated incident, rather, an ongoing trend. Newry has a history of tearing down its old buildings, sacrificing its past for the sake of modern infrastructures. Castle Street, Hill street post office and Old St Clare's being a few examples."
He believes that the irreversible loss of these buildings means that we are losing the charm and uniqueness of Newry and comments "Replacing with new soulless boxes makes each town effectively look the same."
O'Hanlon adds "The demolition of 2 Bank Parade threatens to remove yet another cornerstone of our cultural heritage. Conserving such buildings is not just about preserving bricks and mortar, but about maintaining a physical connection to our community's history. 2 Bank Parade is not derelict but in need of maintenance according to HED (Historic Environment Division).
"Therefore, we urge the local council and planning authorities to reconsider the redevelopment plans for 2 Bank Parade. Together, let's advocate for our city's past, present, and future. Save 2 Bank Parade! Sign this petition and let our collective voices be heard."
Explaining the structure of 2 Bank Parade in submissions to the planning application the Department for Communities Historical Environmental Department (HED) said "The two-storey building in polychromatic brick and granite - a style of architectural brickwork wherein bricks of different colours are used to create decorative patterns or highlight architectural features in the walls of a building - with fish-scale slates to the roof is a distinctive yet mannerly building."
The HED also commented “The Valuation Book from 1860 states that it belonged to Hugh Dalzell, proprietor of the salt works and occupied by Ross Thompson, coal importers in the 20th century.
“It therefore has historical links to the industrial heritage of the wider area. The front elevation is impressive; the polychromatic brickwork and granite detailing are of considerable aesthetic value given the patina of age and the skilled craftsmanship involved. Although altered, the informal nature of the rear, including the gabled return, is typical of a building of this age and style."
Check out the petition at www.change.org
