Council wants to turn Bangor Castle into major hotel
By Lesley Walsh
BANGOR Castle could be transformed into a major new hotel after Ards and North Down Council unveiled its preferred option for the historic building.
Councillors have again met behind closed doors to discuss the future of the Castle and have decided that a ‘landmark boutique hotel’ and events space is the best of five options put forward by consultants.
In a statement issued this week, the council claimed the hotel project will produce £64m in ‘projected economic benefits’ and create more than 70 jobs.
The council will retain ownership of the building but North Down Museum, which is part of the complex, will be relocated to the city centre.
The council took the decision on Wednesday night but excluded the media and members of the public. No documents have been published supporting the council’s decision except a brief council press release detailing plans for a public consultation event on Saturday, August 23, at the Castle.
Councillors had been asked to consider five options for the Castle and decided to go with the major hotel plan, including an extension that would create 43 rooms. No details have been given of how the building would be extended or how the figure of 43 rooms was arrived at.
The council press release says the repurposed building would include extensive event facilities, in an option officials believe will bring the highest economic return and long-term sustainability.
The large hotel option was outlined as the ‘preferred path’ out of a series of alternatives which could have seen the former seat of the Ward family turned into a small business workspace and museum, requiring only a ‘modest evolution of the current setup’.
Another option explored was the relocation of the museum to another site, and the conversion of the entire castle into private workspaces.
A third option for the building was to transform the building, constructed in 1852, into a cultural arts centre and museum, establishing a creative hub of galleries and artists studios.
Another accommodation option, for a small, luxury boutique hotel, was also considered.
“After careful evaluation, the council has identified the larger hotel and events centre as the preferred direction,” stated the press release. “This option not only preserves the architectural integrity of Bangor Castle but also ensures its financial sustainability.
“With projected economic benefits of over £64m and the creation of more than 70 direct jobs, it represents a transformative opportunity for Bangor and the wider Borough.
“Importantly, the council will retain ownership of the site, ensuring public access to the grounds and many internal spaces, including a café, restaurant and event venues.”
The council said the transformation of the Castle Park building was required due to its age and current state and would ‘unlock the full potential of this iconic site, ensuring it delivers greater economic, cultural and community value for generations to come’.
“Despite its grandeur, Bangor Castle faces significant challenges. From poor accessibility and outdated infrastructure to inefficient use of space, the building no longer meets the demands of a modern civic workplace. The museum, too, struggles with limited display capacity, environmental controls and accessibility.”
The new development, said the council, will mark a new chapter that ‘honours the past while embracing the future’.
“Bangor Castle has long stood as a symbol of heritage and civic pride in Ards and North Down. As the needs of our community evolve, so too must the spaces we inhabit.”
Calling on local people to air their views on the plans, the council is inviting people to engage with council officers and consultants from Barker Langham ‘to learn more and share your views’.
“As we shape the future of Bangor Castle and North Down Museum, your voice matters. Together, we can ensure that Bangor Castle remains a vibrant part of our future.”
