Business

Karl Group submits £6 million bid to redevelop Gilford Mill

An artist's impression of the proposed residential development at Gilford Mill.
An artist's impression of the proposed residential development at Gilford Mill. An artist's impression of the proposed residential development at Gilford Mill.

THE developer behind a £6 million bid to redevelop the former Gilford Mill in has now submitted a planning application.

The Karl Group is proposing a mixed scheme, comprising apartments, garden centre and restaurant for the vacant site and its listed buildings.

Once a focal point for the Irish linen industry, 15,000 people were employed at Gilford Mill at its peak. The mill eventually closed in 1986.

Muckamore-based Karl Group acquired the 20-acre site in 2016.

A masterplan was originally produced in 2017 and earlier this year, the developer carried out a pre-planning consultation.

The project has now taken a significant step forward with a full planning application now lodged with Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council.

Subject to approval, it would see the conversion and extension of the vacant mill building to provide a ground floor level garden centre; a restaurant at first floor level; 28 residential apartments over floors two to six.

A roof top garden and children's activity area are also included.

The Karl Group recently secured planning permission to developer 49 residential units in Dublin 8.

An image posted by the Karl Group showing maintenance and repair works at the Gilford Mill.
An image posted by the Karl Group showing maintenance and repair works at the Gilford Mill. An image posted by the Karl Group showing maintenance and repair works at the Gilford Mill.