Work in Progress March 2009

For almost 200 years the skyline of Antrim has been dominated by the Cupola feature on top of the old Courthouse at Market Square. As work continues on the redevelopment of Antrim's most famous landmark building, the Cupola was delicately removed and will now undergo major restoration over the forthcoming weeks before being lifted back into place.

The Cupola feature was added to the old Courthouse almost 90 years after the building was originally constructed and served no other purpose than being an architectural folly. However, it did provide some additional ventilation for the attic space through a series of timber louvres. On some other historic buildings, similar features included ornate clock faces.

The operation to remove the Cupola was complicated by the fact that much of the feature, including the roof, was dressed with lead. This added to the weight which necessitated the use of a large crane to lift and manoeuvre the Cupola onto the ground.

It is anticipated that the Cupola will be reinstated on the roof of the old Courthouse within a couple of months. The feature has been removed from the site and will undergo major restoration work, which will include the replacement and treatment of some timbers for rot, repairs to the windows, louvres, ball finial and spike and relining with lead.

3 MARCH

Inside the Cupola	Hip Truss

5 MARCH

	The crane is in position ready to remove the Cupola
	The First Lift
	Being lowered into the compound
	At Ground Level