Restoration of Castle Gardens tunnels

Work has begun at Antrim Castle Gardens to restore a basement pump chamber and tunnel which were unearthed during landscape excavation works.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Oct 2015, 12:15 BST
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Thomas Hogg who launched the start of work on the restoration of the old pump house at Antrim Castle Gardens is seen here with L-R, Richard Patterson (Lead Consultant with Taylor & Boyd), Ursula Faye (Head of Arts & Culture, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council), Andrew McKeown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council), Robin O'Neill (JPM Contracters), Stuart Roberston (electrical consultant). INBT 43-300JCMayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Thomas Hogg who launched the start of work on the restoration of the old pump house at Antrim Castle Gardens is seen here with L-R, Richard Patterson (Lead Consultant with Taylor & Boyd), Ursula Faye (Head of Arts & Culture, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council), Andrew McKeown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council), Robin O'Neill (JPM Contracters), Stuart Roberston (electrical consultant). INBT 43-300JC
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Cllr Thomas Hogg who launched the start of work on the restoration of the old pump house at Antrim Castle Gardens is seen here with L-R, Richard Patterson (Lead Consultant with Taylor & Boyd), Ursula Faye (Head of Arts & Culture, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council), Andrew McKeown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council), Robin O'Neill (JPM Contracters), Stuart Roberston (electrical consultant). INBT 43-300JC

The discovered chamber lies adjacent to Antrim Motte and consists of an access stairwell and entrance as well as an adjacent tunnel network.

The project includes the erection of a 1.2m high natural stone wall around the pumping house with a glass roof to allow viewing into the basement and pump.

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There will also be repairs to the fabric of the building structure around the entrances and access stairs. Once complete, the tunnel with its featured integrated lighting will be opened up, allowing guided access into the Pleasure Gardens

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg said: This exciting restoration project will add to what is already a fantastic facility.

“When the original structure was discovered, Council were keen to invest in the conservation of the feature, recognising its importance to the social history of the surrounding area.”

The restoration works are expected to be complete in January 2016 and have been designed to respect the historical interest, architectural form and detailing of the structure.

Related topics:CouncilMayorAntrimNewtownabbey