Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has launched its first 10‑year Heritage Strategy, setting out a long-term vision to protect, champion and invest in the area's rich and varied heritage for future generations.

Developed following extensive engagement with over 10,000 people — including residents, community groups, heritage organisations, schools, businesses and other stakeholders — the strategy provides a clear framework for action over the next decade. It aims to ensure the borough's distinctive historic places, landscapes, traditions and stories are cared for and shared in ways that reflect what heritage means to local people.

Speaking at the launch, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council, Councillor Mary O'Dowd, said: "This Heritage Strategy is a significant milestone for our borough. Our heritage tells the story of who we are, where we have come from and what makes our places special. I am particularly encouraged by the scale of consultation carried out, ensuring that local voices are at the heart of this strategy.

"This 10-year vision will help us protect our heritage assets while unlocking their potential to strengthen communities, support wellbeing and contribute to sustainable economic growth. I look forward to seeing these plans brought to life across the borough." The council will work with partners across the heritage sector to identify opportunities and deliver projects that realise the strategy's ambitions in the months and years ahead.

Planned activity includes a small heritage grants scheme, the creation of a heritage network, development of a green and blue spaces strategy, and support for key UNESCO-related projects, notably Navan Fort and Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. Our Heritage Places investment is designed for heritage to forge strong connections and be integral to local life – making better places to live, work and visit.

"It's about partnership and collaboration and I'd like to commend the Council's project team on the breadth and depth of consultation they undertook with people across the Borough to shape this heritage strategy which provides a strong foundation for investment, engagement and delivery."

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon is the first place in Northern Ireland to be designated a Heritage Place, followed by Belfast Historic Waterfront led by Maritime Belfast Trust. Heritage Places is a UK-wide strategic initiative made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, with a 10-year commitment to unlock the potential of local heritage and inspire pride and participation.

Read the ABC Heritage Strategy here: issuu.com/acdcdesign/docs/heritage_strategy_2026_-_2036?fr=sNjhmNzg0NDcyNDg