Historic Quarter

The Council's Historic Quarter initiative has embarked on one of the largest heritage projects undertaken in Northern Ireland; the restoration of Lisburn City's Castle Gardens.

The £3million regeneration scheme will transform Castle Gardens over the next three years with major research refurbishment and restoration work.  The project is intended to enhance and develop the Gardens, making them a major attraction in the city centre for residents and visitors.

Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund has already been secured and it is anticipated that the first phase of work will commence in Spring 2003 with the Gardens fully restored by the end of 2005.  It is thought investigations to the area may discover items of historical interest dating back to the 17^th century.  The Gardens were created in the mid 1600s.

New facilities will include a purpose-built children's play area, better lighting, re-surfaced paths, toilets and improved security for the Gardens as well as reinstating the old walls around the Garden.  The Castle Gardens restoration is one of the largest urban projects to be funded by the Heritage and Lottery Fund in the United Kingdom.  The Council is delighted that this scheme is one of such significance to regenerate the oldest part of Lisburn City. 

The Lisburn Historic Quarter Partnership comprises key stakeholders from the private, public and community sectors and is working to rejuvenate the old area of Lisburn.  The Lisburn Historic Quarter Development Strategy was launched in November 2001 and details its key objectives for the next 10 years.

• Sustainable Economic Development
• Community Benefit
• Restoration and Enhancement of the Built Environment
• City Centre Living
• Public Realm
• Marketing and Communication
• City Centre Safety

The Council continues in its partnership work with Lisburn Development Limited, which manages several projects in the Historic Quarter on behalf of Lisburn City Council.

Please contact:            Hazel King, Assistant Economic Development Officer
Tel:                              (028) 9250 9484
Fax:                             (028) 9250 9564
E-mail:                        hazel.king@lisburn.gov.uk