Castlewellan library reopens following £220,000 restoration

Castlewellan library reopens following £220,000 restoration

22 June 2016

CASTLEWELLAN library has reopened following major restoration work.

Housed in the historic Market House at Upper Square, the refurbished library reopened last Friday following the completion of a £220,000 restoration programme which has further contributed to thecontinued regeneration and revitalisation of Castlewellan town centre.

News of the scheme’s completion has been welcomed by South Down MP Margaret Ritchie and councillor Patrick Clarke who both described the library as an important community resource.

Miss Ritchie visited the refurbished library last week to meet with staff and Libraries NI officials and Mr Eamonn O’Neill, chairman of Castlewellan Regeneration.

She continued: “Mr O’Neill extolled the virtues of the refurbished library to the economic and environmental regeneration of the market town. This 18th century market house, which always had a pivotal role in the Castlewellan economy, continues to have an important community resource influence throughout the town and rural Mournes area.”

Miss Ritchie congratulated everyone involved in the refurbishment, including designers, those involved in the construction, funders and Libraries NI.

Councillor Clarke said he is “delighted” the library has reopened following refurbishment work which has “rejuvenated a landmark building.”

He continued: “The refurbishment has finally addressed a series of long term problems with the roof and damp penetration in the walls. I know the completed restoration works will safeguard the building’s long term future.”

Councillor Clarke thanked Libraries NI chief executive Irene Knox and her team whom he explained despite financial constraints, recognised the urgency of the restoration work at the historic building.