‘Let us demolish old workhouse’ – council

‘Let us demolish old workhouse’ – council

16 October 2013

DOWN Council has made an all out bid for permission to demolish the remains of Downpatrick’s former workhouse.

The only part of the workhouse still remaining is the reception block which was part of the former Down Council headquarters complex on the Strangford Road.

The Environment Agency has examined the building to determine if it is of “special architectural or historic interest” and is currently considering whether to designate the workhouse as a protected building which would prohibit its demolition.

Down Council has been asked for its view and politicians agreed unanimously on Monday night that the building — constructed 171 years ago — should be demolished. They say it has no historical value.

The local authority wants to bulldoze the remains of the workhouse as part of a major demolition programme at its former administrative base which it is planning to sell.

In a letter to the Environment Agency on behalf of Down Council, the local authority’s Chief Executive, John Dumigan, said he does not believe the former workhouse should be retained.

He said it’s the council’s view that the quality and character of the building were “irrevocably destroyed” when the main workhouse block and fever hospital were demolished in the 1980s.

“This changed the context in which the remaining building could be and should be considered. Its quality has been further diminished by the internal alterations to create modern office accommodation,” said Mr. Dumigan.

“The building is not of definite quality or character and was one of 130 workhouses constructed in Ireland at the time. The style of the building is as was intended, cheap in deion and simple in proportion and arrangement, with decoration excluded from the design.”

The Chief Executive said the original windows, doors, floors, fascia, soffit and barge boards have all been replaced — possibly on more than one occasion — as part of the local authority’s attempts to maintain the facility as modern office accommodation.

Mr. Dumigan letter argued the workhouse building lost its historic importance as a result of the internal alterations, claiming the premises are not fit for habitation and have been scheduled for demolition.

His letter continues: “Down Council’s overall objective is to return the site for the wider district and two options are being considered. The sale of the land to the education board for use as recreation ground in connection with the proposed new Down High School, or selling the land for residential development, with the transfer of all council services from the site.

“The Council appreciates the history of the workhouse, but would contend that that its historical value was diminished with the demolition of the main buildings in the early 1980s.

“The Council will be retaining a photographic and video record of the administration building of the workhouse and will arrange the relocation of the data stone, currently positioned above the entrance doors, to the Down County Museum.”

Mr. dumigan’s letter argues that retention of the workhouse would be contrary to government policy which promotes economic vitality and growth through the ongoing regeneration of the built environment. He said Down Council requests that the building is not considered for listing.