£4m project breathes new life into Bushmill’s old courthouse

Work is now well underway on the new £1m Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub in Bushmills.

The derelict Grade B1 listed Georgian building will be restored to create a three-floor creative hub which will be open to communities throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough area.

Project Architect Andrew Molloy said: “We have been working towards realising this project for over two years, so actually starting on site represents a rewarding phase for the design team.

“There are numerous challenges involved in renovating, conserving and extending this iconic historic building in the heart of the town, but the end result promises to deliver something quite special for the local community.”

As building contractors Martin & Hamilton prepared to go onsite, Jayne Taggart, Chief Executive of Enterprise Causeway, said locals and visitors would really get to see the project take shape in 2023.

“In conjunction with the build, and to ensure that when finalised it is used by all, we will be running a number of stakeholder engagement forums during the year, covering areas such as heritage, arts and community space,” she said.

When completed, the facility will promote arts, culture, heritage, and artisan food and crafts, as well as provide facilities for individuals and groups through its workshop, meeting and events spaces.

Funding for the project has been provided under the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme (managed by Special EU Programmes Body), with match-funding from Department for Communities, Northern Ireland and Department of Rural and Community Development, Ireland.