Special ceremony wraps up Town Hall events

On a day that also saw the library celebrate returning to its Town Hall home, the DUP’s Mr. McCrum unveiled a plaque officially marking the completion of more than half a million pounds worth of major structural and renovation work to the two-storey Victorian building dating originally to 1886.

It was a project, he said, that had secured public use of the building for years ahead.

“The renovation and conservation work carried out on this iconic building will ensure,” he said, “that current and future generations can continue to use and appreciate the importance of this important local landmark for many years to come.”

Renovation work on the B1 listed building began in August last year under the guidance of the conservation architect for the project WDR & RT Taggart and main contractor QMAC Construction.

The total cost of the restoration, which included repairing major structural defects and improving safety, came in at £508,000, with a hefty contribution coming from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Built Heritage Section.

Improvements included a new roof, floor joists, boiler, gutters and downpipes and the brickwork was re-pointed in lime mortar.

Arguably the building’s most striking feature, its clock tower, was refurbished and the first floor renovated to accommodate the public library. Environmental works were also undertaken in the surrounding area.

The recent celebrations and official opening followed earlier events marking the Town Hall’s completed makeover.

In early July the town centre was given over to a fun day to mark the re-opening and, on behalf of Dromore Library, Margaret Bell, Operational Manager with Libraries NI, thanked customers for their patience during its enforced absence.