Are Armagh's city shortcuts becoming dead ends?
City centre frequenters will no doubt be familiar with Armagh's many alleyways; McCrum's Court, Abbey Lane and Jenny's Row to name a few.
Once essential trade routes, these unassuming - but historically significant - streets seem to serve as little more than shortcuts to arterial routes rather than functioning as hotspot destinations themselves.
McCrum's Court - for example - once-upon-a-time functioned primarily as warehousing but was reinvigorated with the passage of time into a popular shopping mall. Today, the high footfall thoroughfare is largely barren to retailers all bar (excuse the pun) popular drinking well, The Hole in the Wall and community advice centre, Advice NI.
Abbey Lane demonstrates a similar state of affairs with several prime commercial units laying empty - despite being in close proximity to Thomas Street and ample off-street parking.
Yet in larger cities like Belfast and Dublin, side streets and alleyways have blossomed into modish boulevards housing some of the most first-class hidden-gems - attracting hordes of locals and tourists alike.
It goes without saying - these passageways have a certain charm. They are reminiscent of times gone by and possess that 'je ne sais quoi' that just can't be replicated on contemporary shopping streets.
A revitalisation of these side streets might prove to be beneficial beyond just seeing empty units occupied. They could prove to become an attraction in their own right. Or maybe that’s just romantic thinking?
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🤔 Conundrum
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This Norwegian band is not that unusual
Where in Co Armagh are we talking about?
Main streets need revamped before the alleys, businesses have been hanging on by their fingernails and the photo billboards are a pointless turdpolish.
Granted some commendable efforts are being made in English street and Thomas street and Ogle street, these were sorely needed. But the plethora of barbers, cafes and charity shops only point to a decline in retail and rise in service availability, that so clearly marks a declining commercial structure.
Yes other options such as soft play centres or other attractions may help draw people back to city centre. As I said USP (unique selling point), or as stated something special. Preferably something that can have a synergy to the area and draw other interests.
Such action demands a fresh strategy, and new thinking in regards to the environment to be created. Certainly financial incentives are important but businesses that can ultimately stand on their own merit and income. No fads no income absorbers or fly by night operations.