Arts Centre, Bank Parade, Newry, Co Down, BT34 1PG

A two storey building with a classical façade fronting Bank Parade. The entire building has recently been rebuilt following terrorist action, but the original portico and some other features have been retained in the replica façade. The walls of the façade are cement rendered over a granite base course. The render has banded rustication to ground floor and is lined to mimic ashlar at first floor. Between the ground and first floor is a finely-dressed granite platband. The façade is five openings wide with centre three bays slightly projecting. Four granite steps lead up to the main entrance at centre. This comprises a pair of six panelled timber stained doors with narrow transom light above. The door opening has an ashlar granite surround flanked by a shallow rendered and painted pilaster on each side. To front is a portico comprising a flat-roofed ashlar granite entablature supported on a Doric column at either end, the feet of which rest on ashlar granite plinths. At left, parallel to façade, is a disabled access ramp, in granite with a metal handrail. On both sides of door are two windows, all 6/6 timber sliding sashes, with granite cills and now with fixed metal security grilles over. Four Ionic pilasters rise up the projecting section of the façade at first floor level. These break a platband running across the façade just below first floor window cill level; the stones which comprise this platband are probably reused originals. There are five window openings at first floor, in line with ground floor openings. They have moulded architraves with horizontal drip moulds above, and each contains a 9/6 sliding sash window (no horns). Some of the earlier window frames and panes seem to have been reused. The pilasters terminate below a plain entablature above which is a dentillated cornice across the entire façade. Above this is a moulded parapet, pedimented above the projecting section. Right elevation has cement rendered walls with modern window and door openings. At rear is a four storey flat-roofed extension, with a similar three-storey extension to right, all rendered and with modern windows. Left elevation now abutted by a modern extension which forms the main entrance and reception area to Arts Centre. The flat roof is of reinforced concrete.