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A project that would showcase the rich architectural heritage of Newry is up for approval at Monday night's meeting of the council's Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism committee. The project, a brainchild of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society is particularly interested in the design works of Thomas Duff, WJ Barre and WJ Watson. Thomas Duff was the architect of Newry Cathedral. Barre's work includes the Riverside Church while Watson's work can be seen at Danske Bank in Hill Street.
If approved it would see the development of a walking tour, production of a walking trail/ map with children's activities and a conference/ seminar.
The report to be put to Councillors explains that Newry has a significant number of historic buildings which exhibit different architectural styles and which make an important contribution to the architectural heritage of the region - in particular, buildings designed by two Newry-born architects (Thomas Duff and WJ Barre), and one who spent considerable time in Newry (WJ Watson).
The report details the alm of this project is to raise awareness of the rich architectural heritage of the City; provide resource that local people and visitors to Newry can access to leam more about our built heritage; encourage people to understand and appreciate the townscape and its development over time; and provide additional heritage related activities for local people and visitors to explore and enjoy.
Project Elements
- The development of a walking tour focusing on the Duff/Barre/Watson designed buildings in the city
- The development of a walking trail/map (print and downloadable)
- A childrens version of this with activities to complete
- Training for guides in delivering the walking tours
- A conference/seminar for the project.
The report adds that the project has been developed in partnership with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, due to their expertise in the area of the architecture of Newry and the work of WJ Barre in particular, The UAHS has expertise in communicating the development of architecture to a wide variety of audiences and have delivered a number of similar themed architectural tours in Belfast and beyond.
If approved it is expected that work will commence in February, with the various elements of the project including walking tours and trail map, being ready for summer 2023.
Councillors will be asked for approval to deliver the project in partnership with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society with an expected cost of £4895.
