Armagh Gaol community engagement attracts over 700 participants

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council has extended its thanks to everyone who attended the recent public engagement sessions exploring future opportunities for the Armagh Gaol site. More than 700 residents, businesses, community organisations and visitors shared their ideas about the future transformation project.

Stakeholders were able to step inside the Gaol, learn about its heritage and share their ideas to unlock the potential of the site while supporting the cultural, social and economic life of the city.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Alderman Stephen Moutray commented:

"I want to thank everyone who took the time to visit Armagh Gaol and share their ideas about its future. The interest shown throughout the engagement sessions highlight just how important this landmark is to our borough.

"All the feedback gathered will directly shape the next stage of this project, ensuring the business case reflects the aspirations of local people and supports a sustainable future for Armagh and the wider borough."

The strategic importance of Armagh Gaol was recognised through the Armagh Place Plan, which identified the site as a priority for the city. The Place Plan highlighted the need to secure the Gaol's long-term sustainability by diversifying its uses and developing it as a multifunctional space that supports the economic, social and cultural life of Armagh.

Armagh Gaol is one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in Armagh City. Prominently overlooking The Mall, it represents a unique opportunity to restore and preserve an important heritage asset while contributing to the wider social and economic regeneration of the city centre.

The site has remained vacant since 1986. Although the Gaol was acquired by the council in 1997, previous attempts to regenerate the building did not progress. In recent years, however, a significant opportunity has emerged through the Mid South West Growth Deal, providing a renewed platform to take a fresh and ambitious approach to the regeneration of the site. This funding will support the development of a viable mixed-use proposal that secures the long-term future of the Gaol.

Carlin Planning facilitated the stakeholder engagement events on behalf of the Council. The next steps are to develop an outline business case, which will bring together the public feedback and explore what options are commercially viable and sustainable for the long-term future of the Gaol and the wider borough.

The business case is expected to be completed and submitted to the Mid South West Growth Deal in late summer 2026. To keep up to date with progress and view photos from the engagement sessions, click here.

The Mid South West Growth Deal is a long term, regionally coordinated investment programme that brings together councils, government and partners to drive economic growth across the region. Armagh Gaol was identified as a priority project within the MSW Regional Economic Strategy, recognising its strategic importance to Armagh City and its potential to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration.