 The former jail is currently undergoing a major redevelopment |
An ambitious project to transform a former Oxford prison is to inspire a similar scheme in Northern Ireland. Developers are currently transforming Oxford Castle into a hotel, heritage centre, restaurants and apartments.
The county council says the scheme is to be used as a blueprint for a revamp of Armagh Gaol, which has been featured on the BBC's Restoration programme.
Exact details of the linked scheme are to be revealed at a press conference at Oxford Castle on Thursday.
The �35m Oxford Castle scheme - on the site of former HM Prison Oxford which was closed in 1996 - is due to be completed in 2005.
 Backers of the Armagh Gaol revamp are to look to the Oxford scheme |
County councillor Margaret Godden said: "The developers, working with the county council, have built up a tremendous wealth of experience in the Oxford Castle scheme. "The Armagh scheme has many similarities and I am happy to wish those behind it all the very best for the future."
Backers of the Armagh scheme have already said they hope to open one wing of the original prison building as a visitor centre and museum.
The rest of the complex - Northern Ireland's oldest prison - could be developed as offices to create revenue for the upkeep of the building.
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