Bangor Castle: A New Chapter for a Historic Landmark

Bangor Castle has long stood as a symbol of heritage and civic pride in Ards and North Down. The Council is proud to own the building, which has served as a headquarters for local government since 1952.

While committed to retaining ownership of the building and protecting its history and heritage, the Council is progressing plans for a new administrative and civic building in Bangor City Centre.

As needs change, so too must the spaces we inhabit. We must reimagine the Bangor Castle site with a new purpose that honours the past while embracing the future.

Why Change is Needed

The Council has a large estate and wants to make the best use of it.
We have scoped out our future office needs and reviewed all our administrative buildings.
We estimate that we only need 50% of our current office footprint moving forward. It is projected that moving to a new, smaller and more efficient facility will, over time, be of less cost to the ratepayer than continuing in the current expansive estate, including (and especially) Bangor Castle.
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 From poor accessibility and outdated infrastructure to inefficient use of space, the building no longer meets the demands of a modern civic workplace. North Down Museum, housed on the Bangor Castle site, also struggles with limited display capacity, environmental controls and accessibility.
It is very costly to maintain the building in its current state.

The Council's goal is clear: to respectfully unlock the full potential of this iconic site, ensuring it can deliver economic, cultural and community value for generations to come.

Important Facts

We want to be very clear on a some key points.

In any future usage model:

The Bangor Castle site will not be sold - it will remain in Council ownership
The Castle gardens will remain accessible to all.
increased public access to the building is a key objective
There should be no requirement for long-term ratepayer subsidy.

Exploring the Options

Following a comprehensive options appraisal, five potential futures for Bangor Castle have been explored in detail:

Small Business Workspace and Museum
A modest evolution of the current setup, this option retains the museum and introduces private office space. While it offers some economic benefits, it lacks financial sustainability and limits public access.
Small Business Workspace Only
This option proposes relocating the museum off-site and converting the entire castle into private workspaces. It offers high employment potential but minimal public engagement.
Cultural Arts Centre and Museum
A creative hub combining museum galleries, artist studios, and learning spaces. Though rich in placemaking potential, it would require ongoing financial support.
Boutique Hotel and Events Centre
Transforming the castle into a luxury hotel with public amenities and event spaces. This option balances heritage preservation with economic viability and broad public access.
Larger Hotel and Events Centre
An expanded version of the boutique hotel concept, this option includes a new extension, 43 rooms, and extensive event facilities. It offers the highest economic return and long-term sustainability.

The Recommended Way Forward

Following evaluation against key outcomes, the hotel options (4 + 5) are the only opportunities that can preserves the architectural integrity of Bangor Castle while also ensuring its financial sustainability.

They both represent 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.

Reimagining the Museum

In both scenarios, North Down Museum will also undergo a transformation by being relocated to a fit-for-purpose facility in Bangor city centre. This move will allow for expanded exhibitions, improved environmental conditions, and greater community engagement.

Next steps

Council has approved the principle of the site being converted into a landmark boutique hotel. Over the coming months, we will be developing:

• An Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Castle's redevelopment as a boutique hotel.

• A separate OBC for relocating the North Down Museum to a new site.

These business cases will help shape the future of both the Castle and the Museum, ensuring they continue to serve the community and contribute to the local economy.

Join the Conversation

As we shape the future of Bangor Castle and North Down Museum, your voice matters. A Public Information Session will be held at Bangor Castle, City Hall, Bangor on Saturday 23 August. Join

Council officers and consultants from Barker Langham to learn more and share your views.

Following the session presentation materials will be shared on our engagement platform - Go Vocal.

Together, we can ensure that Bangor Castle remains a vibrant part of our future.