Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council approved plans this week to convert a vacant Grade B1 listed building at 39 Market Street in Lurgan. The structure at the corner of Market Street and Carnegie Street previously operated as Danske Bank for decades and dates to around 1901.

John Aidan Kelly from Dungannon lodged the application early in 2024. The scheme keeps office space on the Market Street-facing ground floor section. The Carnegie Street ground floor part becomes a residential unit.

First and second floors turn into one- and two-bedroom apartments. Plans include two connected communal rooftop gardens, one upper and one lower.

Council officers approved both planning permission and listed building consent. No objections or support letters came in.

Historic Environment Division stated the change of use limits damage to historic elements and upholds the building's character. Department for Infrastructure found parking and traffic effects acceptable given the town centre spot, on-street options, public transport nearby, and reduced trips compared to bank operations.

Applicant documents from October 2024 noted minimal exterior changes. They added that residential components make the project viable for long-term maintenance and help cut town centre vacancies.