Freeing our Future – Visit to Crumlin Road Jail, May 10, 3pm
The Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed it’s doors as a working prison in 1996. After extensive renovations the gaol has re opened as a visitor attraction and conference centre.
CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL RESTORATION
Context
- ‘A’ listed Building
- Built 150 years ago to house 500 inmates
- Sits on a 13 acre site ( 52, 271m2 )
- 2 miles from City centre
- Closed as a prison in 1996
- Suffered physical degradation during and after the ‘troubles’
- Building under siege
The Restoration Work
- Main programme started in 2008/9
- Project Management Board with NIEA
- £10 million spent to date
- ‘A’ wing – Titanic Whiskey Distillery
- Governors corridor and ‘C’ wing opening as visitors’ attraction and conference centre
- Examination of proposals for other wings
- Ongoing cross community support
Skanios – A dynamic hub at the very heart of East Belfast, May 9, 12pm
“Community Transformation and Renewal in East Belfast”
The Skainos Project is an urban regeneration development in inner East Belfast providing shared space for community transformation and renewal. Growing out of the work of the East Belfast Mission (EBM) it brings together a range of strategic partnerships which will contribute to the holistic regeneration of one of the most economically and socially deprived communities in Northern Ireland.
Skainos gathers under one roof all aspects of the work undertaken by EBM including homelessness services, employability, social economy projects, youth work, family work, community development and peace building as well as a vibrant worshipping community. A range of partners will also share the space including Oaklee Housing Association, Belfast Metropolitan College, Age NI, Replay Theatre Co, Niamh, tearfund and New Life Counselling.
Folktown- A Reborn Market place in the Heart Of Belfast. May 9th 10am, venue: Berry Street Presbyterian Church
Folktown is one of the oldest and most unique parts of Belfast City Centre, steeped in heritage and music.
The Folktown initiative was founded on the vision that emerged from discussions among the community. Our vision is to celebrate and promote the rich heritage, shared past and our shared future in one of the most unique and oldest parts of Belfast.
Our mission is to: Regenerate and re-image Belfast’s Folktown (Castle St, King St, Berry St, Marquis St, Bank Sq and Chapel Ln) area through the provision of community based cultural events (market, festival, art work, etc) to encourage inclusion of an emerging diversity of cultures and tradition, thereby encouraging community involvement, increasing footfall, tourism and trade in the area
The Folktown initiative is run by Folktown Community Interest Company, a social enterprise, not-for-profit, and it’s steering committee comprising local churches, pubs, restaurants, businesses, youth and arts organisations. Any surplus generated through our projects is channeled back into the regeneration of the area. The local community decide where best to spend the resources. We aim to generate funds for our regeneration plans along with an invaluable and ever-increasing social capital.
