epc Portadown
Portadown is situated on the banks of the picturesque River Bann, about 25 miles south west of Belfast. Portadown sits in a relatively flat part of the country, near the southern shore of Lough Neagh. There are two small wetland areas on the outskirts of the town; one at Selshion in the west and another at Annagh in the south. The Ballybay River flows into the town from the west before joining the River Bann.
The Hub of the North
Though originally settled in the early 17th Century, Portadown did not become a major town until the arrival of the Railways in the Victorian Era. During this time Portadown became known as “the hub of the North”, due to it being a major railway junction; where the Great Northern Railway’s line diverged for Belfast, Dublin, Armagh and Derry. Today the area is also known as Craigavon, which includes the town of Portadown together with the town of Lurgan and the business areas, consisting of many industrial estates, shopping areas and a big hospital.
The Welsh Connection
A large prisoner-of-war camp was built at Portadown during the Second World War. The camp housed German POWs. For a time these POWs were guarded by Welsh servicemen who had been transferred from Germany (known as “Bluecaps”) and who were quartered at St Patrick’s Hall in Thomas Street. Many of the Welsh soldiers chose to be demobbed to Portadown as they had formed relationships there and this accounts for some of the Welsh surnames in the town.
The Bunker
During the Cold War a Nuclear Bunker was housed just outside the town, with a view to reporting on any prospective nuclear attack and monitoring the effects. Today it has been fully restored as a living museum and is open to the public in the Summer months.
Historic Buildings of Portadown
There are a number of Historic Buildings in and around Portadown including the Millenium Arts Centre, which contains a Theatre and two Art Galleries, Ardress House a 17th-century farmhouse that was remodelled in early 19th Century and is today owned by the National Trust, and there is of course the famous McConville’s Hotel and Public House which dates back to 1865 The pub is fully preserved with original wooden snugs inside, etched glass windows at ground floor level, original gas light fittings and an iron door canopy and lantern. Local legend has it that some of the Russian Oak fittings in the bar were made to the same design as those used on the Titanic.
The Portadown Festival
Every year since 1922, between February and April, the Town plays host to the fun filled Portadown Festival. Featuring all varieties of Dance, Drama and Music it is an event not to be missed. The performances are produced by the most talented Amateurs in Northern Ireland and judged prestigious professionals.
Energy Performance Certificate
According to new government regulations any property for sale or to let in Portadown must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The energy certificate shows the viewers the energy rating of the property as well as the annual fuel costs. The epc comes with a report and a list of recommended improvements that save energy costs and reduce CO2 emissions. Epc4less is an established supplier of EPCs for homeowners and landlords and operate in Portadown and throughout Northern Ireland. Their current offers can be found at www.epc4less.com