This is an artist's impression of the infamous Crumlin Road jail returned to
its original appearance following a planned million pound facelift.
The graphic was released today as Social Development Minister David Hanson
announced the massive cash investment as part of a major programme of repair
and restoration to the jail.
In ensuring that the facade of the jail is restored to its original 1845
glory, extensive renovations will be carried out and the work is scheduled
to be completed by the end of June.
The programme of repairs and restoration at the Grade A listed building will
open up the front of the jail with removal of all extraneous security
structures, restoration of the existing cast iron railings, repairs to
damaged masonry, the use of appropriate lighting and a range of hard and
soft landscaping.
The security walls and fencing that have obscured the frontage of the jail
for a number of decades will be removed and the railings and main gates
repaired and restored.
The use of sandstone and bespoke castings for the railings will help achieve
a sympathetic restoration.
Commenting on the start of the works, Mr Hanson said: "This major
programme of works at the jail should significantly enhance the physical
appearance of the facade and help to transform the overall look of the
frontage of what is a magnificent Grade A listed building.
"This investment will play an important role in increasing confidence
within the community and business sector in the long term regeneration
potential of this area.
"It is an exciting signal of the gathering momentum in the overall
redevelopment of the jail and Girdwood site."
Other repairs to the jail, including the removal of asbestos and a programme
of weatherproofing and health and safety improvements to the wings of the
jail, are progressing in tandem.
The total cost of the work is expected to be almost £1m and comes after Mr
Hanson set up a local advisory panel to make recommendations to him on a
masterplan.
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