McAdam would like to extend their thanks to Chris Wilson Head of Conservation at Cadw and Nathan Blanchard at Isle of Anglesey County Council for escorting McAdam Design Ltd, Tandem Design , Alastair Coey Architects on our site visits to Wales Harlech Castle, Caer Gybi Roman Fort, Caernarfon Castle & Conwy Castle & Town Walls.
The team were looking at precedent examples of how DDA access and interpretive story telling has been delivered on other heritage assets to input into the exciting design for the Carrickfergus Castle & Town Walls that is being undertaken as part of the Carrickfergus Regeneration Project. The insights provided in terms of lessons learnt and obstacles faced were extremely beneficial for the Carrickfergus Regeneration City Deal team.
The £42m Carrickfergus City Deal project is a tourism and town regeneration scheme aiming to transform Carrickfergus into a heritage led tourism destination and the ‘Gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route’.
Current concept proposals are being developed for:
- Improved DDA access and vertical circulation through the castle.
- Improved visitor experience throughout the castle with interpretative displays and digital innovation.
- Creation of a town walls walking route with wayfinding and interpretative displays telling the history of the town through the ages.
- Improved safe crossing at the Marine Highway.
- Provision of a new visitor centre in the town centre.
- Refurbishment of the town hall, civic centre & courtyard as an arts centre, music venue, outdoor events and exhibition space.
- Public realm works including a lighting scheme, outdoor furniture, signage & wayfinding and re-branding Carrickfergus as a destination.
- Refurbishment works around the Railway Station to improve wayfinding throughout the town.
