Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has secured a major £2.1 million investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the restoration, extension and refurbishment of Ballycastle Museum, marking a significant milestone for heritage, culture and tourism in the Borough.

Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the funding will transform Ballycastle Museum into a modern, accessible and engaging hub, safeguarding the town’s rich heritage while creating new opportunities for learning, community participation and visitor engagement.

The award follows the successful completion of the project’s development phase, which was supported by an initial grant of £202,981 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2023. This funding enabled Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services to develop detailed plans for the ambitious redevelopment.

Subject to planning approval and Council permissions, the newly awarded delivery grant of £2,104,268 will allow the project to move forward over the next two and a half years, bringing a renewed vision for Ballycastle Museum to life.

The investment will see the museum’s gallery space expand from 64 square metres to 240 square metres — almost quadrupling its current size. The enhanced facility will include dedicated space for rotating temporary exhibitions, ensuring visitors can enjoy a continually refreshed programme of displays, alongside a new workshop and learning space designed to support schools, community groups and lifelong learning activities.

The redevelopment will not only protect and celebrate Ballycastle’s unique heritage but will also strengthen the museum’s role as a vibrant community hub and visitor attraction, contributing to the wider cultural and economic development of the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The refurbished Ballycastle Museum aims to re-open in late 2028. Incorporating the current 18^th century, Grade B+ listed museum building and the adjoining property, the capital project will provide fully accessible facilities that benefit both the local community and visitors alike.

It will enable year-round access to the museum building and its collection and support accredited training programmes and other volunteer opportunities.

Newly developed interpretation will explore key themes of the area’s heritage, exploring the archaeology and history of Ballycastle from earliest times, through the creation of the 18^th century industrial town, to the Arts and Crafts Revival movement, Ballycastle’s maritime heritage, and more recent social history.

Alongside the construction work, Museum Services will continue to deliver an enhanced community engagement programme, working with schools, community groups and volunteers from the Friends of Ballycastle Museum, to bring Ballycastle’s heritage to life.

Commenting on the award, Deputy Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Sandra Hunter said:

“We’re delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players. Our Museum Services, Capital Works and Funding Unit staff, together with the wonderful volunteers from the Friends of Ballycastle Museum have worked tirelessly throughout the Development phase to design a conservation-led building project that will house a fresh and exciting way to explore our local history, and create a visitor destination in the town to showcase our area’s unique heritage.

“There has never been a more important time to restore and maintain Ballycastle Museum’s listed building – the old courthouse and market building.

“We hope this work will help to revitalise Castle Street, drawing more visitors into the historic heart of the town. This substantial investment represents one of the most significant heritage funding awards secured by the Council in recent years and demonstrates confidence in the long-term vision for Ballycastle Museum as a flagship cultural asset for the borough.”

Stella Byrne, Head of Investment at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“Investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to, this project will reinvigorate and expand Ballycastle Museum, provide employment and a range of activities and opportunities for local people and visitors to the area.

“By regenerating two buildings in Ballycastle’s Conservation Area, the project not only improves the streetscape but its accessibility, making this a museum for everyone. The plans maximise what’s possible in the space and consider how visitors can interact and experience the area’s heritage. The investment also means the Museum can expand its opening hours, increase staff and visitor numbers and reach new audiences. We’re delighted to be able to fund Ballycastle Museum as it enters a new era of sharing local heritage.”

Further information

For further information, images and interviews please contact Sarah Calvin at Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services, (028) 2766 0230 or sarah.calvin@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

For The National Lottery Heritage Fund, please contact Kathryn Cochrane, Marketing and Communications Manager (NI), 07517 907 600 or Kathryn.Cochrane@heritagefund.org.uk.

Click here to find out more about the Ballycastle project