The eighth Built Heritage at Risk in Northern Ireland (BHARNI) catalogue was launched by Environment Minister Sammy Wilson in Crumlin Road Gaol.
The catalogue, which is a joint project between the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS), identifies historic buildings throughout the province in need of restoration.
Mr Wilson told the launch that the gaol, itself an iconic listed building, had benefitted from featuring in the catalogue.
He said: “The BHARNI catalogue highlights the vulnerability of our historic buildings and will, I trust, act as a catalyst for their preservation and re-use.
“This building, Crumlin Road Gaol, has been included in the online BHARNI register since its launch in 2004.
“Now, thanks to recent investment by the Department for Social Development to restore the street frontage, it has gained popular public appeal.
“Last year it was opened to the public as part of European Heritage Open Days organised by NIEA.
“This building is evidence that our built heritage can help support the wider economic and social regeneration of architecturally important areas such as this”.
Michael Coulter, NIEA Built Heritage Director hoped the catalogue would spur groups to access the expertise and grant aid available for preserving historic buildings.
He commented: “The catalogue features case studies of buildings, ranging from humble dwellings to large industrial complexes, that we have helped with both grant aid and advice.
“I hope it will encourage those contemplating works to listed buildings to avail of our expertise and grant aid.”
Chairman of the UAHS’s BHARNI sub-committee Ian McQuiston added: "The many buildings and structures identified in the catalogue represent tremendous opportunities not only to restore and pass on our heritage to future generations but also to create economic development and much needed employment for the construction industry".
Anyone who owns a listed building and would like advice or is interested in applying to the Historic Buildings Grant Aid Scheme should contact the grants section of NIEA: Historic Buildings Unit by emailing bh@doeni.gov.uk or by telephoning 028 9054 3038.
Notes To Editors:
- Entries to the BHARNI Catalogue have been included primarily on the basis of an external visual inspection of the condition of the building. All listed buildings that are considered to be ‘at risk’ are included as well as a number of scheduled monuments. A number of non-listed buildings, particularly those situated within a conservation area, which have local, historic and architectural significance and which make a contribution to the urban or rural setting, are also included.
- There are 90 entries in this volume of the printed BHARNI catalogue and over 500 entries on the online BHARNI Register.
- Risk is assessed primarily on the basis of condition and occupancy.
- For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact EIS Duty Press Office on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
