£1m plan for Castlewellan

£1m plan for Castlewellan

13 February 2019

PLANNING permission is being sought to pave the way for the £1m restoration of Castlewellan Forest Park.

A range of bodies are financing the ambitious project including the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Heritage Lottery Fund.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council, which is spearheading the project in conjunction with the Forest Service, is keen for the work to start soon to make one of Northern Ireland’s most stunning forest parks even better.

Permission is being sought for a new visitor interpretation centre, reinstatement of the propogation and orchid houses and refurbishing the historic glasshouses at the Bothy Yard.

A near £250,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant secured last December will be used to help fund the development phase of the project, which will work to achieve a vision for Castlewellan Historic Demesne to create a heritage-led destination to connect people with their built and natural heritage.  

The development phase includes surveys of the woody plants in the arboretum and biodiversity of the park, alongside design work to repair and develop the buildings in The Grange and walled garden. 

Work is also required to carry out further consultations and submit planning applications.

The local authority is keen to see the picturesque forest park’s Arboretum, Annesley Garden and Grange Buildings redeveloped.

Members of the council’s Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism Committee were told recently that architects have been awarded the tender for a project to revitalise the Walled Garden and Bothy Yard and Rhododendron Wood areas.

Councillors have also approved a request to prepare tender documentation for the integrated design team and appointing a project officer to oversee the major regeneration initiative.

Council officials confirmed recently that a topographical survey — which could cost as much as £10,000 — will be required to assist with the planning process to pave the way for new investment to preserve them and promote an area which has “exceptional tourism and recreational potential.”