BUILDINGS once used by prison warders at the historic Crumlin Road Gaol could provide a substantial economic boost to north Belfast, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has said.
The eight cottages at the front of the popular tourist attraction are now being offered on a leasehold basis for commercial use in what could represent the next stage in the regeneration of the site.
DfI is seeking expressions of interest in the buildings with a view to attracting new occupiers and investment.
It has tasked property agents Lisney with drumming up interest in the site, stating: “This is a unique opportunity to undertake, and be part of, a commercial regeneration scheme that returns this important site to a viable and sustainable economic use which will contribute towards the wider regeneration and tourism ambitions of the area.”
Closed in 1996, Crumlin Road Gaol is the only Victorian era prison remaining in Northern Ireland.
Now a major tourist feature in Belfast, ‘The Crum’ has attracted more than one million visitors since November 2012.
Built in 1927, the two-storey cottages lie outside the gaol’s historic walls. Prior to the closure gaol, they were used as a social club and offices.
The exterior was restored and repaired in 2013, but the internal areas are in shell condition.
The move by the Stormont department follows Liverpool company Signature Living’s decision to put the former Crumlin Road Courthouse on the market.
Located directly opposite the gaol cottages, Merseyside developer Lawrence Kenwright bought the courthouse in 2017 and obtained planning permission for a £25 million hotel venture.
The building was placed on the market in September alongside the former war memorial building on Waring Street in Belfast, which also had planning permission for a hotel project.
Last week the Irish News revealed that CastleCourt owner Wirefox was closing in on a £3.7m purchase of the Cathedral Quarter site.
