The Square And 1798 Walk

The central area of Gracehill was once an attractive village square complete with pond, trees and pathways by the 2010’s the pathways had long gone, the pond was overgrown and the square perimeter was made up of barbed wire in places.

Gracehill 1800

Gracehill 1800

The aspiration had always been to restore this important area which had been central to the planned Settlement layout. Gracehill Old School Trust worked to develop a scheme and sought funding for the restoration and subsequently with the agreement of the Moravian Congregation launched a programme of renewal and restoration to see the village Square once again returned to its historic appearance.

The project aimed to:

  • Remove barbed wire and replace with safe fencing.
  • Reinstate traditional hedging.
  • Manage and care for historic trees.
  • Reinstate pathways.
  • Develop “The 1798 walk” including commemorative obelisk. (See United Irishmen section of Website)
  • Repair and reinstate perimeter gates.
  • Landscape around pond.
  • Restore pond.
  • Provide safety railing around pond.
  • Provide additional seating at Church opposite entrance to the Square.
  • Provide additional lead planter outside Church.
Work begins on the Square 2014

Work begins on the Square 2014

The scheme came to a successful conclusion in the summer of 2014 and the Square has been a wonderful resource for visitors and locals since.

Silver Band concert following the restoration of the Square.

Silver Band concert following the restoration of the Square.

Our thanks go to all our generous funders who made the restoration possible.

 

Our thanks go to all our generous funders who made the restoration possible.

 

NGO Challenge Fund Logo Ballymena Borough Council Logo European Agricultural Fund Logo and Rural Development Fund Logo Leader Logo

All Rights Reserved - Gracehill Old School Trust (GhOST) 2024