{"id":127914,"date":"2025-11-08T02:21:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T02:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/127914\/"},"modified":"2025-11-08T02:21:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T02:21:11","slug":"architects-conceptual-design-places-marlborough-house-at-true-heart-of-future-craigavon-armagh-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/127914\/","title":{"rendered":"Architect\u2019s conceptual design places Marlborough House at \u2018true heart\u2019 of \u2018future\u2019 Craigavon\u00a0 \u2013 Armagh I"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A Co Armagh<\/a>\u00a0architects company has created a conceptual idea of what could be possible for Marlborough House and the future of Craigavon.<\/p>\n

Over the years, Marlborough House has been a hot topic of conversation, with many arguing that the unsightly building should be demolished to make way for something more modern.<\/p>\n

That conversation was closed for good when news broke that the building had been granted a Grade B1 listing,<\/a> protecting it from demolition or external alterations.<\/p>\n

And with confirmation that the building is here to stay, local architects McCreanor and Co shared their new vision of how the building could be adapted.<\/p>\n

What the McCreanors say started out as \u2018simply an idea\u2019 in arguing for the retention and reuse of Marlborough House has grown into something bigger\u2026 a creative re-imagining of how Craigavon could function, connect and grow again.<\/p>\n

And, this isn\u2019t the first time the McCreanors created a conceptual design of Marlborough House.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A bird\u2019s eye view of the main roundabout and suggested amphitheatre<\/p>\n

Back in February of this year, McCreanors made a design focusing on turning Marlborough House into \u201ca larger, contemporary structure that provides practical and aesthetic value to the community<\/a>\u201c, with Paul McCreanor saying: \u201cTo demolish it entirely would be to erase a key part of Craigavon\u2019s narrative.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now seven months later, and listing status granted, the group have created a new concept that further integrates the building into the surrounding infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Speaking on behalf of the company, Paul McCreanor said: \u201cThis project began as an exploration of alternatives to demolition for Marlborough House.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs local architects with a deep connection to the area, we felt it was important to look beyond the surface and imagine what could be possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cLove it or hate it, Marlborough House has a distinct architectural identity, one that, in its own way, helps define Craigavon\u2019s character, much like the Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty does for their cities.\u201d<\/p>\n

McCreanor\u2019s feed into the original \u2018New City\u2019 concept for Craigavon by providing increased focus on community, experience and connectivity.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Improved connective pathways<\/p>\n

Continued Paul: \u201cOur vision proposes renovating and extending Marlborough House to accommodate a rich mix of uses: educational, community, and potentially residential, whilst transforming the surrounding vacant land and oversized roundabouts into a connected civic quarter: a true heart for Craigavon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt its centre, the main roundabout is reimagined as a sunken amphitheatre and parkland space, working with the existing landscape, reminiscent of Solitude Park in Banbridge, but on a larger, more integrated scale.<\/p>\n

\u201cInspired by Roman amphitheatres, the concept is to create a civic space for learning, dialogue, and everyday life which is strengthened by its proximity to the proposed education facility.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo the northeast, along Lake Road, the proposal is bookended by a large community building designed to host events and exhibitions, a flexible venue where Christmas Markets can be hosted which then spill into the amphitheatre, art installations can be displayed, pop up galleries can be accommodated providing a space for the community to gather year-round.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt remains a conceptual study, but the goal is clear: to show that Craigavon can evolve, not through demolition or short-term fixes, but through bold, thoughtful reuse and civic imagination.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n


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