THE former police barracks in Banbridge, a listed building and which was previously used as the offices of the Marquess of Downshire, have gone on the market for £170,000.
The two-storey over-basement property comprises the former RUC station and living quarters, constructed in 1860 and situated on a self contained site running alongside the River Bann and with prominent frontage on to Church Square in the town.
The building, which comprises of a mix of former offices, cells and ancillary staff accommodation - would have potential for a restaurant or museum.
But it hasn't been occupied since the mid-1980s and is in a bad state of disrepair.
Belfast-based commercial property consultant Osborne King is advising potential buyers that the 0.22 acre site is suitable for a variety of uses, subject to planning approval.
The property has come on the market several times before, as far back as 1994, when the police moved to a new purpose-built station not far away on the Castlewellan Road.
The old station had become something of an eyesore in the interim.
But has since been patched up on the outside with hoardings celebrating the life of Captain Crozier, an Irish officer of the Royal Navy and polar explorer who participated in six expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic, and who lived in Avonmore House, just across the street from the barracks.
Many people in Banbridge have taken to social media in recent weeks calling for the "beautiful old building" to be fully restored.
