Downpatrick set to lose last link with former workhouse

Downpatrick set to lose last link with former workhouse

24 July 2013

DOWN Council has been urged not to demolish the last remaining part of the historic Downpatrick workhouse.

The entrance block of the workhouse is part of the old Down Council headquarters on the Strangford Road which is scheduled for demolition later this month.

The council confirmed this week that all buildings were to go at the front of the Strangford Road site after it went out to tender for demolition earlier this month.

The Downpatrick Union workhouse admitted its first inmates on September 17, 1842. Constructed at a cost of £7,500 it was designed to accommodate 1,000 inmates on what was an 11 acre site.

The entrance block to the workhouse remains and was incorporated into the 20th century Down Council buildings.

Councillor Cadogan Enright said he ideally wanted the building kept intact.

“We previously agreed to a memorial to the famine graves at this site two to three years ago — what happened to all that I wonder,” he said. “I think there should be a memorial, many people died around that site.

“The building was left there originally when the council took that site so I do see why they cannot preserve it.”

Mr. Berkley Farr, Chairman of the Lecale and Downe Historical Society, said several workhouse buildings throughout Ireland were preserved with museums attached to them.

“Certainly it is historically important to Downpatrick,” he said. “I ideally like to see old buildings being used in some way.”

Mr. Farr noted, however, that some older unused buildings in Downpatrick have been used as targets for vandals. He also said not knowing the condition of the building meant he could not necessarily call for its retention.

He said, however, that it was important to mark the importance of the site.

“At the very least we need the opportunity to make a photographic record,” he said.

A spokeswoman for the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society said that as the workhouse building was unlisted and not in a conservation area, it fell outside it’s remit. However, she said the Northern Ireland Environment Agency was reviewing the current listing grade of entries and adding new listings should they feel this necessary.

“Should a local resident or interested party feel the building has the potential for listing, the NIEA Listings Section can be contacted,” said the spokeswoman. “Their conservation architects test buildings against certain criteria such as age, ornamentation, plan form etc.

“More information can be found on their website: http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/built-home/protection/listed_buildings_p.htm”