From Belfast’s Bank Buildings and a Georgian guesthouse in Hillsborough to children’s schemes in Fermanagh and the stories of Belfast’s entries, a wide range of projects which showcase the best examples of restoration and preservation have been shortlisted for this year’s Heritage Angel Awards.
The awards celebrate the unsung heroes who are painstakingly conserving local history across Northern Ireland. A total of 53 submissions have now been assessed by a panel of experts from the heritage sector and 18 projects have been selected across six categories.
All the heritage hopefuls have done tremendous work in preserving historical sites and buildings across Northern Ireland. They span the restoration of Templemore Baths in east Belfast and safeguarding St Joseph’s Church in the city’s Sailortown area, to the conversion of Caledon Wool Store into a creche and the craftsmen keeping traditional masonry, thatching and plastermoulding skills alive.
The overall winner in each category will be named at the Northern Ireland Heritage Angel Awards ceremony hosted by Wendy Austin on Wednesday March 27 at The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena.
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Additionally, the public’s favourite project from the 18 shortlisted submissions will receive the Public Vote Award. The judges will also select an individual who will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose foundation is a co-sponsor, said “protecting architectural heritage is a vital part of cultural life”.
“Architecture is the most vulnerable art form and one that I have been passionate about all my life,” he said.
“By raising awareness of the impact individuals can have, our aim is to inspire others to get involved and work together to save and project Northern Ireland’s heritage for our future generations.”
