Major redevelopment works were completed during October 2015 by MSM Contracts, to convert single-storey council-owned garages into an indoor and outdoor events space. Located on the Hill of the O’Neill, in Dungannon town centre, the newly refurbished and extended building now provides impressive new facilities to host public events, weddings, exhibitions etc.

The 9-month project for Mid Ulster District Council also comprised the provision of a linear path around Dungannon and these works were delivered by our JV partner, A G Wilson Civil Engineering.

Designed by Coleraine-based architects, G M Design Associates, the works involved refurbishment of the existing garages to form 180m2 of internal events space. The newbuild construction works involved a three-storey side extension providing an entrance foyer, welfare facilities, first floor office space and a roof level viewing gallery with panoramic views. The full-height lift shaft is glass-fronted with ceramic ink artwork applied to the toughened glass panels. A single-storey extension to the opposite end, comprises a catering kitchen, store rooms, staff facilities and boiler/plant rooms. The prominent design feature is a 22m diameter tensile fabric structure over granite paving, providing 550m2 covered events space. This structure incorporates a curved structural steel frame, tensile fabric to the roof and demountable sidewalls, glazed rooflight and oak timber cladding.

The Hill of the O’Neill is regarded as a Scheduled Monument Area with the remnants of the Knox-Hannington towers, a private 18th century residence, in close proximity to the site. Vibration monitoring during mini-piling works and protection measures were implemented to ensure no damage to the towers during on-site construction operations.