As reported by the Belfast Telegraph, plans submitted by Belfast Distillery Company in 2019, which were backed by a group of US investors, were approved this week.

The £15 million project is part of a wider £25 million investment by the US group to transform parts of the Victorian prison, which closed its doors in 1996.

Plans involve converting part of the prison’s A-wing into a whiskey distillery, complete with a visitor centre, shop, car park, bar and restaurant.

A-wing is one of four three-storey wings of the prison. Two others remain vacant while another has been converted into what is now Crumlin Road Gaol museum.

The wing is a Grade A Listed Building designed by English architect Charles Lanyon and built between the years of 1840 and 1859. According to the document published by Belfast City Council, the majority of the works being carried out are internal, with some “minor” external alterations.

“All works seek to replicate the existing style, materials and design of the original building. The proposal also seeks to refurbish and repair existing stonework on several window openings and roof vents,” it noted.