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Carrickfergus Castle to get new £1 million roof

Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle Carrickfergus Castle

CARRICKFERGUS Castle is set to receive a new £1million roof.

Work to the Norman castle is due to start in autumn 2018 and it will replace the current flat roof which has been in place for 80 years.

There will be no major external changes, however the inside of the Great Hall at the top of the tower will be modified.

It will be made into a higher, brighter and more 'historically resonant' space with the intention of using this area for artefact displays and functions.

The project will be managed by the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division.

Its director Iain Greenway described the work to the castle as a "major milestone."

He said: “The new roof will safeguard and enhance the castle so that its heritage will continue to have a lead role in the social and economic prosperity of the whole area.

“It is intended that public access to the site will be maintained throughout the works and that as far as is practicable visitors will be able to see the building work in progress.Visitors to the castle will get the opportunity to see the new roof unfold."

Welcoming the works, Anne Donaghy, Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “This development will create more space and ultimately increase footfall to the local area.

"Already from working with the Department, we have seen increased visitor numbers and extended summer opening hours, so this latest significant investment is another example of how partnership working is benefitting both the local and regional economy.”

The existing flat roof which has been in place for 80 years
The existing flat roof which has been in place for 80 years The existing flat roof which has been in place for 80 years