A new design aims to move beyond listing or demolishing Marlborough House in Craigavon, questioning high renovation costs.
An architecture firm now has a new design. They want to move beyond listing or demolition, also questioning the £20 million upgrade cost. Paul McCreanor, speaking for McCreanor & Co Architects, sees Marlborough House as a building with a turning point in its history, at this precise moment.
He states that preservation and erasure are the two paths. Yet, by thinking that the building is an opportunity, they found the key to make the project viable. Their design adds to the old building to create practical and aesthetic value.
The concept extends the structure, not erasing it entirely. Marlborough House remains a focal point, but new elements create functional space. This serves public as well as professional needs so Craigavon can keep its architectural roots while, simultaneously, it adapts to modern demands and trends.
Paul asks, ‘Why Save Marlborough House?’ He notes mixed reactions, as some question the building’s merit but also points out that Craigavon has few original landmarks left. Therefore demolishing it would mean erasing part of its story, so their proposal balances preservation with relevance.
The project is all about heritage in Craigavon. They need respectful, forward-thinking solutions that do not freeze it in time but adapt it for a new era. It keeps a connection to architectural ideas of the past, whilst encouraging both economic and social activity.
The design aims for a broader discussion, in that Craigavon must shape its future creatively. Paul also questions the £18.6 million renovation cost and wants a detailed cost breakdown. Ultimately, the proposed high cost leads one to find it hard to understand because the estimate exceeds new building costs.