Big plans for Armagh but what side of the fence are you on?
Big plans for Armagh but what side of the fence are you on?
Good morning! Welcome to the Armagh I newsletter, which comes direct to you every Tuesday and Friday mornings.
This morning we’re talking about the huge plans in the works at Drumadd. It’s a huge development which will change the landscape of Armagh city, both literally and figuratively. It’s also a story that will be – and has been – met with acclaim by many and trepidation by others.
The reaction, when we revealed the plans on Monday night, was largely positive. The location; the proximity to the nearby roundabout, which connects College Hill and the Portadown Road, raised a few eyebrows. One person questioned the future of independent retailers in the town centre – an issue we have been covering plenty of recently.
However, one reader – Paul Loughlin – described it as “excellent” news.
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of competition, and that’s great for customers. Investment, industry and jobs are vital in any city and Armagh should welcome the opportunity to have a greater retail capacity and choice for shopping. Of course there will be negative views but in general the question is can Armagh really afford to turn chances like this down? – Paul Loughlin
The plans also come hot on the heels of proposals to build a new EuroSpar and petrol filling station, as part of a multi-million pound mixed-use development at Orangefield. This too, the applicant says, would represent a “significant investment” that will “create jobs and provide local services for the local community”.
The two proposed developments are 0.7 miles from each other.
Is this development at Drumadd preemptive of the proposed – and preferred – East Link Road which would link in seamlessly. The route is to come in off the Markethill Road, right across the Hamiltonsbawn Road, next to the MOT centre, and through onto the Portadown Road. Surely, it’s in the thinking, but with the Department for Infrastructure looking to us – the general public, to come up with ideas to make money, the £20m or so needed for this route could be some time off yet…
Meanwhile, a public consultation event will be held in late January and people will be able to have their say, however, we want your tuppence worth now…
Headlines
🙏 Family speak of devastation while fundraiser for three children who lost both parents tops £100,000
😡 Anger as 50 bags of waste dumped at Carnagh Forest beauty spot
🦮 Man accused of cruelty to two dogs wile under investigation over another dog's death
👑 Nurses' 'amazing experience' after meeting King at Buckingham Palace reception
💍 Jewellery and cash taken during Newry burglary
🗑️ Bins destroyed in Lurgan in latest act of play park vandalism
⚖️ ‘Scandalous’ delay in ascertaining if Markethill cannabis duo were trafficked into NI
🚨 Man (23) to appear in court after collision on Keady Road in Armagh
😿 Armagh family ‘heartbroken’ after suspected poisoning of two cats in 13 days
💔 ‘Sleep tight Cathal, I love you’: Girlfriend’s heartache as tragic teen to be laid to rest
🏍️ Ahorey race ace McCallen ‘honoured’ as bike acquired for NI legends museum display
🇧🇬 Bulgarian exhibition held in Armagh to showcase life in NI ‘Through Our Eyes’
🛶 Exciting plans for new multi-use ‘recreation hub’ at Camlough Lake unveiled soon
🎅 Two Armagh businesses partner up in Cash for Kids Christmas appeal
Armagh Jobs
🆕 Armagh Timber Products require Pallet Makers
🆕 Armagh City Hotel require a Kitchen Porter
🆕 Mount Charles require a Catering Assistant in Craigavon
🆕 Armagh Rural Transport are recruiting a Manager.
🆕 Armagh City Hotel require Temporary Seasonal Staff and Fitness Instructor.
✅ Re-Gen Waste have several vacancies available.
✅ KonFloor Armagh are recruiting for a Cleaner.
✅ Southern Area Hospice require Medical Officers.
✅ Simon Community require an Accommodation and Community Support Worker.
✅ Mount Charles have several vacancies available.
🛎️ If you have a job and want to advertise it to 40,000 daily users on www.armaghjobs.com and www.armaghi.com, as well as more than 8,000 people on this newsletter and our 100,000 social media followers, get in touch.
Notice Board
📖 Book Launch | Manic by Mark Brownlee | Abbey Lane Theatre, Armagh, BT61 7DW | Tuesday, November 28 | Read more about Mark’s mental health struggles and how it helped him write his book here.
🎄 Bessbrook Christmas Lights Switch-On | Village Centre | Wednesday, November 29 | Free gifts from Santa on the night. Children's Christmas carols will be performed by local schools, live music stage and much more...
🎤 Christmas Carols at St Mark’s Church, Portadown | Friday, December 1 | 8pm | With Portadown Ladies Choir, Portadown Male Voice Choir and Guest Soloists Aimee Campbell(Soprano) and Eugene O'Hagan (Tenor).
👕 Pre-Loved Market | Hosted by Second Hand Sal | Market House, Main Street, Middletown | Thursday December 7 | 6pm | Clothing, shoes and accessories. Raffles prizes on the night with all proceeds going to Alzheimer's NI.
🎄Armagh City Choir Christmas Concert | St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral | Friday December 8 | 7.30pm | £10 admission, pay at door or tickets available from choir members. The Christmas Festive period is approaching, and Armagh City Choir is preparing for its Annual Christmas Concert. “We may not be Santa’s Little Helpers, but we do our best to help create a festive spirit for Armagh city and surrounding areas.”
Want to include a free event listing to almost 8,000 of our newsletter readers? Get in touch by simply replying to this email or, if you haven’t received this via your inbox, email us at info@armaghi.com.