Craigavon house regeneration plans revealed

27 October 2008 -

Craigavon House in Belfast could soon be added to the list of attractions in Northern Ireland as the Belfast Newsletter reports plans have been drawn up to refurbish the building.

The property, which is the former home of Northern Ireland's first prime minister Sir James Craig, will be restored to its former glory by its owners, the Somme Association.

Under the planning proposals, the 1940s kitchen block will be destroyed while late additions made to the building will be replaced with a two-storey office block which would complement the main building.

The news provider claims the association is keen to see the property turned into a working museum and dismissed claims it would be knocked down.

Carol Walker, director of the organisation, said: "We want the house restored to its original state."

The property was built in 1870 in Italianite style and was designed by architect and writer Thomas Jackson.