Funding has been awarded to develop plans to transform a derelict listed building in the heart of Ederney into a modern well-being hub.
The former Pat Murphy’s tea rooms and tobacconists was built around 1840, and has historically formed an important focal point for the community.
The building’s front elevation has original multi-paned shop windows, narrow double doors, an ashlar chimney stack and natural slate roof, all contributing to its early Victorian character.
The building is now derelict but the Architectural Heritage Fund has awarded a Project Viability Grant to Ederney Community Development Trust to help it to further develop its plans for a community well-being hub.
Following an extensive consultation, a wide range of community needs were identified as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Resilient Heritage supported work in 2017, and funding, matched by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, will support an architectural feasibility study and business plan, helping to move the project on to the next stage of investment readiness.
Martin Monaghan, Chairperson of Ederney Community Development Trust welcomed the funding saying,: “Ederney Trust and Ederney Credit Union are delighted to have received funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund to further progress the redevelopment of Pat Murphy’s, a listed building of regional heritage value located on Ederney Main Street.
“The partnership has now raised over £27,000 to carry out the initial studies into the building and to have the AHF on board, as well as the Heritage Lottery Fund and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is a real boost for the project!
“We thank all the funders for their support for the project as we move to the business planning stage,” Mr Monaghan added.
Matthew McKeague, Chief Executive of the Architectural Heritage Fund said, “Streets such as Main Street in Ederney are changing fast and new ideas are going to be vital to securing the future of so many buildings like this one.
“It’s great to see the links being made between heritage, high streets and well-being and we look forward to seeing Ederney Community Development Trust’s plans develop.”
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