PROJECT: THE DRAPERS’ TOWNS THI
CONSTITUENCY: MID-ULSTER
LOCAL AUTHORITY: MAGHERAFELT
AMOUNT AWARDED: £1,200,000
The £1. 2 million Draperstown and Moneymore Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is unique in Northern Ireland for involving two towns. Both were built by the Drapers’ Company in the 17th century and are excellent examples of the Plantation villages of the period. Both towns suffered from high retail and commercial vacancy rates and the significant dereliction of important historic buildings, such as the Courthouse in Moneymore.
An extensive programme of public consultation took place in both towns to set priorities for the THI. The main aim for both was to help create a viable economic future for the two communities, improve the image of the towns, foster good cross-community relations between the two towns by working in partnership, organise cross-community events and create employment opportunities for local people.
In Moneymore, the Old Courthouse and Clock Tower building now houses the town’s library, an invaluable and successful community resource providing access to an information centre, IT facilities, learning opportunities, audiovisual technology, talks and an excellent book stock. The Manor House, a former planter’s residence, was converted into a multi-use community facility, which local people identified as their favoured use for the building.
In Draperstown the historic Corn Store, used by local merchants during the Plantation period, hosts a new youth centre and a range of community groups and activities. Works were also carried out to architectural details on shop fronts in both towns.
Some 25 new jobs will have been created in the area by the time all the projects are completed, and community links between the two towns have been considerably strengthened through the development of working groups to steer the THI, resulting in a much better understanding of their shared history and heritage.