Junior ministers Martina Anderson and Jonathan Bell said that the executive has appointed the Belfast Distillery Company as preferred developer for the development of the grade A listed property.
They said that the company, led by local entrepreneur Peter Lavery, intends to invest over £3 million on converting the existing A Wing into a small whiskey distillery. This would have a tasting room and bar, a restaurant and café, storage facilities and offices, among other facilities.
Crumlin Road Gaol is owned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. Last October the executive invited proposals from interested parties for the regeneration of the prison’s A Wing.
Bell said: "Our department has invested over £5 million on a restoration programme at the Gaol to help facilitate projects such as this.
"It shows a real commitment by both the executive and Belfast Distillery Company to improving the area and making it more attractive for further regeneration."
The Crumlin Road lies at the interface between republican and unionist communities in north Belfast and was the scene of several murders during the Troubles.
They said that the company, led by local entrepreneur Peter Lavery, intends to invest over £3 million on converting the existing A Wing into a small whiskey distillery. This would have a tasting room and bar, a restaurant and café, storage facilities and offices, among other facilities.
Crumlin Road Gaol is owned by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. Last October the executive invited proposals from interested parties for the regeneration of the prison’s A Wing.
Bell said: "Our department has invested over £5 million on a restoration programme at the Gaol to help facilitate projects such as this.
"It shows a real commitment by both the executive and Belfast Distillery Company to improving the area and making it more attractive for further regeneration."
The Crumlin Road lies at the interface between republican and unionist communities in north Belfast and was the scene of several murders during the Troubles.
