Building work on an extension to Down County Museum to house the Downpatrick High Cross and provide other new exhibition space has commenced. Builders moved into the museum site on 21 July and it is expected that the extension which is at the rear of the cell block will be completed by next Spring.
The High Cross looking down The Mall in Downpatrick is to be housed in a new building at Down County Museum.[/caption]
The key funding (almost £500,000) for the Museum’s new extension and exhibitions has been facilitated by the East Border Region and is part-financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Cross Border Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. Down District Council is also providing funds towards the project with the aim of continuing the development of the Early Christian and St Patrick-related tourism product that Downpatrick has to offer, and supporting the economic regeneration of the town through its unique heritage.
Mike King, Down County Museum curator, said: “The Early Christian High Cross was removed from its site at Down Cathedral last December and a replica was installed in April of this year. The original cross is undergoing conservation work at the museum prior to being installed in the new galleries which are being constructed.
“The new galleries which are being designed by Haley Sharpe Design will interpret the history and iconography of the cross, and associated objects will also be displayed to bring to life the important Early Christian heritage of this area.
“As well as this new exhibition, the extension project also encompasses a new gallery to display some of the key objects from the museum’s large collection of farming and maritime artefacts, a new gallery which will focus on the history of the gaol of Down and a new tearoom. The museum will remain open to the public during this busy period of building work.”
The architects for the project are Hutcheson Irvine Partnership from Bangor, a company vastly experienced in designing commercial, community and residential buildings. Some of their recent work includes a new adventure centre in Kilbroney and the Ganaway Activity Centre. The builders who will be completing the project are Maghera Developments from Castlewellan.
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