Plans to convert former Crossmaglen bank into peace and reconciliation centre

The former Bank of Ireland in Crossmaglen. Pic: Google Maps

Crossmaglen’s former Bank of Ireland could be converted into a community, peace and reconciliation centre if proposals which have been submitted to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are approved.

The proposals for 53 Cardinal O'Fiaich Square, submitted on behalf of Mr Ian Bothwell of the Crossfire Trust, are for a change of use of the former bank premises to include a ground floor charity shop and food bank on the ground floor.

The rear yard would be developed as an accessible community garden, while the first floor would be extended to the rear over the existing flat roof for a community meeting room and offices.

New second floor accommodation would also be created to comprise of a life skills kitchen and counselling rooms.

alterations

There would also be minor alterations to the front elevation, new dormers and the ridgeline raised to match the adjacent ridge of No. 54.

The Crossfire Trust was set up in 1984 to care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people, primarily in South Armagh.

They run a wide range of community support and good relations projects, as well as providing supported accommodation along with bring communities together to nurture cohesiveness across all divides.

Crossmaglen’s Bank of Ireland branch closed in November 2021 in a move which the Bank said was a response “to the significant and accelerating changes in how customers are banking today”.